The 1936-P Lincoln Wheat Cent is a classic and widely recognized piece of American numismatic history. Minted at the Philadelphia Mint with no mint mark, this coin features Abraham Lincoln’s right-facing portrait on the obverse, designed by Victor David Brenner. The reverse showcases two wheat stalks framing the words “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” along with the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Most 1936 pennies were made from a composition of 95% copper with 5% tin and zinc, weighing approximately 3.11 grams and measuring 19 mm in diameter.

This year’s Lincoln Wheat Cent is notable not only for its large mintage of over 309 million coins struck at Philadelphia but also for its generally good strike quality, with clear details on Liberty’s profile and sharp relief on the wheat ears. Despite the high mintage, high-grade specimens remain attractive for collectors, especially those with strong original qualities. Purple toning on a 1936-P Lincoln Wheat Cent is a beautiful and rare feature, providing a unique visual appeal that enhances the coin’s collectible status. Purple toning occurs naturally over decades through oxidation of the copper surface, creating an iridescent patina prized by collectors for its aesthetic and protective qualities.

The “gorgeous purple toning” transforms the typical brown or red-brown copper into an eye-catching spectrum of colors that can include shades of blue, violet, and magenta, making each coin uniquely appealing. Coins with such toning are often untouched and retain their original surfaces without cleaning or polishing, which is critical to maintaining value. Collectors seek out these eye-popping colors for display purposes or as key highlights in their Lincoln Cent collections.

In short, a 1936-P Lincoln Wheat Cent with beautiful purple toning combines historic significance, classic design, and extraordinary natural surface colors. It offers both numismatic and artistic interest, making it a standout piece for collectors of Lincoln cents or vintage U.S. coins in general.