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I remember this one being a paperback sci-fi anthology or magazine in my dad's collection. I think it may have been a "Best of" annual or otherwise related to a science fiction magazine.

As stated in the title, the cover had a bizarre, somewhat grotesque image on the cover. The head of a human woman, wearing either a space helmet or perhaps an underwater helmet. I think the metal part was dark brown, and there was a flat glass faceplate in front. The body attached to the head was tiny, and reminded me vaguely of a prawn, or similar creature. As best as I can remember, anyway. It really freaked me out at the time (I was four or five, IIRC). That much I am certain of!

I'm almost positive this one comes from the 1970s.

I know there's not much to go on here, but does this ring any bells with anyone?

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    Great to see you on the site, Helbent! I thought you burnt up on re-entry!
    – Organic Marble
    Commented Apr 8, 2017 at 22:54
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    Rumors of my death were greatly exaggerated, mostly by the Spacethings. Besides, I was dying a lot more frequently under my original handle (redshirt crewmember).
    – Helbent IV
    Commented Apr 8, 2017 at 23:19

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Perhaps the 1975 Ace Books edition of the anthology Best Science Fiction Stories of the Year, Second Annual Collection edited by Lester del Rey?

enter image description here

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    Drops jaw in awe - how did you find it?
    – Gallifreyan
    Commented Apr 8, 2017 at 21:24
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    Aieeee! All these years later, and that cover STILL freaks me out! That is the cover I was thinking of, no question.
    – Helbent IV
    Commented Apr 8, 2017 at 21:34
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    @Gallifreyan You're asking me to disclose my methods, but you can't spare an upvote?
    – user14111
    Commented Apr 8, 2017 at 21:36
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    I used a simple Findum Bookum spell.
    – user14111
    Commented Apr 8, 2017 at 23:05
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    @Gallifreyan The ISFDB is my friend. I did an advanced title search with the settings "Title type is exactly ANTHOLOGY" and "Title year is exactly 197_" and "Title contains best". The database had fewer than 150 anthologies published in the 1970s with "best" in their title. I started clicking through them and looking at the cover pictures, and as luck would have it the winner was in the top couple dozen or so.
    – user14111
    Commented Apr 9, 2017 at 10:41

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