1936 Lincoln Wheat Penny Value Guide

The 1936 Lincoln Wheat Penny is a significant copper cent that represents the mid-Depression era of American coinage. Designed by Victor David Brenner to honor Lincoln's centennial, this specific year is highly collectible for its high mintage quality and historical role in 1930s commerce.

What Is 1936 Lincoln Wheat Penny Worth?

The typical price range for 1936 Lincoln Wheat Penny is $0 - $0 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Surface preservation and the presence of original mint red luster significantly increase value.
• The clarity of the fine lines in the wheat ears on the reverse side.
• The specific mint mark, with 'S' (San Francisco) strikes often carrying a slight premium over Philadelphia.
• Absence of environmental damage, such as corrosion or heavy dark spotting.

How to Identify 1936 Lincoln Wheat Penny?

• Look for the '1936' date clearly struck on the obverse below Lincoln's chin.
• Verify the reverse features two stalks of wheat flanking the words 'ONE CENT'.
• Confirm the material is a copper-zinc-tin alloy, giving it a distinct reddish-brown patina.
• Check for the absence of a mint mark for Philadelphia, or 'D' for Denver and 'S' for San Francisco.

History of 1936 Lincoln Wheat Penny

The Lincoln cent, first issued in 1909, marked a significant departure in U.S. coinage as it was the first regular-issue coin to feature a real person. The 'Wheat Penny' design, with two ears of wheat flanking the denomination on the reverse, was used from 1909 to 1958. Designed by Victor David Brenner, it commemorated the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. These coins are a tangible piece of American history, witnessing generations of economic shifts and cultural changes.