The 1976-S Lincoln Cent is a copper alloy penny minted at the San Francisco Mint, marked by a mintage of 4,149,730 coins. The coin features the classic Lincoln Memorial design on the reverse, crafted by Frank Gasparro, and the obverse bears the bust of Abraham Lincoln, designed by Victor David Brenner. Its composition is 95% copper with 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams.

“Semi Luke Warm Toning” refers to the coin exhibiting subtle natural color changes—mostly lighter golden, brown, or amber hues—that develop over time through oxidation. These warm tones enhance the coin’s surface aesthetics, giving it a gentle, inviting glow rather than harsh or overly intense coloration. This type of toning is generally prized for its originality and eye appeal since it shows that the coin has aged naturally without artificial treatment.

Collectors often seek 1976-S Lincoln Cents with such semi-luke warm toning because it highlights the coin’s surfaces in an attractive, understated way that complements the historic design rather than overwhelming it. Coins with this type of toning typically maintain their original mint luster and surface integrity, important factors for desirability and grading.

In higher Mint State grades, especially MS65 and above, 1976-S Lincoln Cents with semi-luke warm toning can command premiums over plain examples because the toning enhances visual appeal while maintaining originality. Tidily toned coins from the San Francisco Mint are favored for both collection and display purposes.

To summarize, the 1976-S Lincoln Cent with semi-luke warm toning presents a lovely example of natural oxidation on a classic copper penny. Its gentle, warm color palette combined with solid strike quality and mint origins make it appealing to both circulated coin collectors and toning enthusiasts alike.