David Hall:
The San Francisco Mint Washingtons of the 1930's are considered key dates in the series. They definitely have the lowest mintages and are the rarest coins as a group. The 1936-S is not quite as rare as the 1935-S in Gem MS65 or better condition, but it is about equal in rarity to the lower mintage 1937-S and 1938-S. The S Mints aren't quite as well struck as the Philadelphia and Denver issues, but you can obtain well struck examples of the 1936-S if you look diligently. Like most Washingtons, this coin was saved by the roll (in limited quantities for the Denver and San Francisco Mint issues of the 1930's, but rolls do exist.) Superb Gem, frosty white examples of the 1936-S are occasionally available.