The 1936 Lincoln Penny is an extremely popular coin among numismatists. It's a great example of the classic design which was in circulation from 1909 to 1958.
Its simple yet elegant beauty has made it one of the most recognizable coins ever produced by the U.S Mint, and its rarity makes it highly sought after.
This article will explore this iconic penny in detail, discussing its history, minting process and key features that make it stand out from other coins.
Background And History Of The 1936 Lincoln Penny
The 1936 Lincoln Penny is a symbol of American history that has been around for over 80 years. It's worth far more than its weight in gold to collectors and enthusiasts alike, who have kept it alive since it was first issued back in 1909.
From the time it entered circulation until today, this penny has made quite a name for itself - so much so that one could say 'it's as famous as apple pie'! This iconic coin can be distinguished easily from other coins by its design.
On the obverse side of the penny is Abraham Lincoln, America’s 16th President, depicted with his signature top hat. Inscribed beneath him are the words “In God We Trust” and above him is written “Liberty”. The reverse shows two wheat stalks tied together at their bases surrounded by beads with “One Cent” inscribed between them.
Since being released in 1936, these pennies have become highly sought after due to their rarity and historical significance. Many people collect them either for fun or to make money off of them when they sell them later on down the line. Their value continues to increase every year as new versions are produced, making them an interesting investment opportunity for numismatists all over the world.
Minting Process And Key Features
The 1936 Lincoln Penny symbolizes the final year of a beloved icon. This coin is known for its beauty and value, but many are unaware of its history or minting process. Here we will explore both in depth to gain an appreciation for this remarkable piece of numismatic art.
First, the background and history of the 1936 Lincoln Penny must be understood. The penny was first issued in 1909 during Abraham Lincoln’s centennial birthday celebration. In honor of his legacy, President Theodore Roosevelt proposed that Victor D. Brenner design a new penny with Lincoln's portrait on it. From 1909 to 1940, pennies featured Brenner’s iconic image as well as two wheat stalks on either side of the reverse. Known affectionately by some collectors as “wheaties,' these coins were minted until 1958 when they were replaced by Memorial Pennies honoring President Eisenhower’s birth centenary celebration. The 1936 issue marks the end of this classic series and is thus highly sought after by coin connoisseurs today.
Second, let us now talk about how this beautiful penny was produced; namely, its minting process and key features:
- Minting Process:
- Striking: Steel planchets were stamped with dies containing images from Brenner's design at high pressures to create impressions into each individual coin blank.
- Plating: Zinc-coated steel discs (planchets) were then electroplated with copper before being struck again with dies imprinted with smaller details such as numbers, lettering and edges.
- Key Features:
- Obverse: A bust portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing toward the right surrounded by 13 stars representing the original colonies along with inscriptions 'IN GOD WE TRUST' and 'LIBERTY'.
- Reverse: Two crossed sheaves encircled by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA along with one cent denomination written above them accompanied by E PLURIBUS UNUM inscription below them all framed within a laurel wreath border
These special characteristics make the 1936 Lincoln Penny stand out among other coins in terms of quality and rarity - making it invaluable to those who collect it! It has become a treasured keepsake cherished across generations due to its significance in American culture and its place in numismatics history books forevermore.
Grading And Value Of The 1936 Lincoln Penny
Mint marks are an important factor to consider when looking at the value of a 1936 Lincoln Penny. These marks determine its rarity and thus, its worth.
Generally speaking, a 1936 penny with no mint mark is more common and is worth less than a penny with a mint mark. Knowing the rarity of the coin can make a big difference in its price.
For instance, a 1936-D penny from Denver is more valuable than its Philadelphia counterpart. Furthermore, a 1936-S penny from San Francisco is the rarest and thus, most expensive of the three.
All in all, the mint mark has a major influence on the value of a 1936 Lincoln Penny.
Mint Marks
Ah, the 1936 Lincoln Penny - one of America's most iconic coins!
Mint marks are a key factor in determining the value and grade of this classic penny. For numismatists, understanding mint mark varieties is essential for accurately assessing these coins.
To begin with, there were three main U.S. Mints that produced the 1936 Lincoln penny: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. The different mints have their own unique identifying characteristics on the coin that can be used to identify them; such as a 'D' or an 'S' next to the date on some examples.
Coins struck at Philadelphia typically do not carry any visible mint mark and are known as ‘Philadelphia’ issues. Additionally, both Denver and San Francisco issued versions carrying either a small ‘D’ or ‘S” respectively along with other subtle differences between each issue.
Knowing which variety you possess is important when it comes to grading and assigning values to your 1936 Lincoln penny collection – happy collecting!
Rarity
When it comes to the 1936 Lincoln penny, rarity is a key factor in determining its grade and value.
A mint mark variety can make all the difference when you’re trying to assign a value for your coin.
For example, the ‘S’-minted San Francisco issue of this year is much rarer than those from Philadelphia or Denver, thus more valuable.
These coins also tend to have better strike quality and full luster which makes them even more desirable to numismatists.
Understanding these nuances will help you accurately assess any 1936 Lincoln penny that catches your eye.
Knowing what kind of condition and rarity factors are present allows collectors to find the true gems among their collection – happy hunting!
Price
Now that we've discussed rarity, let's move on to price. Of course, the value of any coin is determined by its condition and how rare it is. The 1936 Lincoln penny can range from a few cents up to thousands of dollars depending on these factors – so take your time when evaluating each one!
As an example, the more common Philadelphia-minted coins tend to be worth less than the 'S'-mint San Francisco issues due to their relative rarity. However, even coins with lower grades may still have some collector interest if they are well preserved or have other unique features like damage or errors.
Ultimately, understanding what makes a particular coin special will allow you to get the most out of your collection – happy hunting!
Collecting And Investing In 1936 Lincoln Pennies
Have you ever considered collecting or investing in 1936 Lincoln Pennies? This classic coin from the United States Mint is a great way to start your journey into numismatics.
The 1936 penny has been around for many generations, and its iconic design of President Abraham Lincoln continues to be sought after by both collectors and investors alike. It's worth noting that this particular year was the last time that these coins were minted before World War II began.
As with any collectible item, it's important to consider condition when determining value. Coins in excellent condition can often fetch higher prices than those in lesser condition, so it pays to do some research on how to properly grade coins according to the certification standards set forth by various organizations such as PCGS or NGC.
With careful evaluation and a keen eye for detail, one could find themselves getting top dollar for their investments!
Tips For Finding And Buying 1936 Lincoln Pennies
The 1936 Lincoln Penny is a special coin for many numismatists. As such, it comes as no surprise that these coins are highly sought after and can often fetch a hefty price tag.
It's important to note the various tips one should consider when looking for and buying this particular penny. To ensure you make an informed decision, here are some top guidelines:
- Condition – When collecting rare coins like the 1936 Lincoln Penny, condition plays a major role in determining value. Coins with little to no wear or damage will be graded higher than those with signs of circulation or imperfections. It’s critical to properly inspect each coin before making any purchases.
- Authenticity – With so many counterfeit versions circulating today, it’s vital to approach all transactions with caution. Make sure to only purchase from reliable sellers who have provided authentication documents proving the coin’s authenticity. Additionally, research reputable grading companies and familiarize yourself with their certifications and services they offer.
- Price - Of course, pricing also needs to be taken into consideration too when investing in coins like the 1936 Lincoln Penny. Do your due diligence by comparing prices between different dealers and platforms before committing to any purchases; it pays dividends in terms of potential savings!
Ultimately, understanding these key points is essential if you're considering purchasing this specific type of penny -- doing thorough research ahead of time will help protect both new and experienced collectors alike from being taken advantage of or overpaying for an item.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does A 1936 Lincoln Penny Weigh?
Numismatists are often asked about the weight of a lincoln penny.
A typical one-cent coin from the United States weighs 2.5 grams, but this varies depending on year and material composition.
The 1936 lincoln penny is made of 95% copper and 5% zinc, which makes it slightly heavier than other years at 3.11 grams in total weight.
What Is The Difference Between A 1936 Lincoln Penny And A 1936 Wheat Penny?
What an intriguing coincidence that two coins of the same year can have such a distinct difference! As a numismatist, I often find myself pondering this exact question.
The 1936 Lincoln Penny and the 1936 Wheat Penny are both from the same era yet they possess their own unique characteristics. The main difference between these two coins is in terms of design - the obverse or front side of the Lincoln penny features Abraham Lincoln’s portrait while the reverse or backside depicts two wheat stalks with one single ear of wheat at its center.
On the other hand, the 1936 Wheat Penny does not feature any portraits but has its reverse depicting a pair of intertwined wheat stalks. This makes for quite an interesting comparison when it comes to these two coins!
What Is The Most Expensive 1936 Lincoln Penny?
The most expensive 1936 lincoln penny is a rare proof coin.
It was struck specially for collectors and features strong, deep cameo frosting on both sides of the coin.
This makes it highly desirable to numismatists searching for an example of this historic American denomination in top condition.
Its value can reach up to $10,000 depending on its condition and rarity.
Are 1936 Lincoln Pennies Rare?
It is an often-asked question amongst numismatists: are lincoln pennies rare?
The answer to this depends on the year of minting and its condition. While some later years may be relatively common, many earlier pennies can be quite difficult to find.
A 1936 penny in particular is a highly sought after item with only around 1 million produced that year. It is especially desirable amongst collectors due to its age and historical value - making it a rarity in more ways than one!
Are 1936 Lincoln Pennies Legal To Own?
As a numismatist, I can tell you that owning any type of penny - including the 1936 Lincoln Penny - is perfectly legal.
In fact, many people collect coins as an enjoyable hobby and to invest in their future!
The 1936 Lincoln Penny has become increasingly popular over the years due to its rarity and age.
It's definitely worth investing in if you're looking for something special!
Conclusion
The 1936 Lincoln penny is a special coin for any numismatist. It's an important piece of history and its popularity continues to this day. Weighing in at 3.11 grams, it's easy to see why the '36 Lincoln penny is so sought after.
While there are similarities between the '36 Lincoln penny and Wheat penny, the most valuable examples can command prices upwards of thousands of dollars! As rare as they may be though, owning one isn't illegal; so you could get your hands on a piece of Americana without breaking the law!
Whether I'm looking for an investment or just something to add to my collection, I know that the 1936 Lincoln penny will always have me covered.