1936 Lincoln Wheat Cent

About This Coin

The 1936 Lincoln Wheat Cent is a United States cent from the Lincoln Wheat Cents 1909-1958 series — 28th of 50 years in the series. In 1936, coins were struck at the Denver, Philadelphia, and San Francisco Mints with a combined mintage of 379.4 million. This ranks 27th of 50 years by total mintage, above the series median of 350.9 million. The obverse features Abraham Lincoln facing right, the first real person depicted on a U.S. circulating coin and the reverse displays two wheat stalks framing ONE CENT, symbolizing American agriculture. Struck during the Great Depression, when mintages dropped sharply and the United States abandoned the gold standard in 1933. Struck in 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Collectors have cataloged 121 known die varieties for this date across 7 categories, including cud, doubled die obverse, doubled die reverse and 4 other types. Across its variants, estimated values range from $0 to $1.9K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $4.6K in PR66BN grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Victor David Brenner.