Zac Jr's Lincoln Proofs
1936 BRILLIANT

Owner Comments:

Comparable to proof cents dated 1937 and later, the Brilliant or "Type 2" proofs of 1936 are the ones most highly sought by collectors. These have uniformly reflective fields and devices, with very little or no cameo contrast. In addition, the vigorous polishing required to bring out such brilliance also reduced or completely effaced the shallower features of the dies, such as the lapel of Lincoln's jacket.

Given the relatively small mintage of proofs for both finishes, it's not surprising that fully red gems of this date are very scarce. Many collectors in past generations placed their proofs within cardboard coin albums and then cleaned them when they became toned. This has greatly reduced the population of pristine survivors.