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Entry Details
Coin Date: 1938-PDS Denomination (Short): Set Denomination (Long): Half dollar Variety: Oregon Trail Desg: MS Mint Mark: Various Composition: 90% silver; 10% copper Mintage: 6,005 Strike Type: Business Coinage Type: Classic Commemorative Coinage Years: 1938 Mint Location: Various Diameter: 30.6 Fineness: 0.9 Weight (Grams): 12.5 Weight (Ounces): 0.36169 Designer: James Earle Fraser, Laura Gardin Fraser Edge: Reeded Obverse Description: The obverse shows a Native American standing before a geographical map of the continental United States, with an indication of the actual Oregon Trail across the applicable portion of map. Reverse Description: The reverse shows a cattle-drive stagecoach rolling over a hill with a large sunset shining in the background. General Notes:
1938 Oregon half dollars were issued at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints, making it the first year of the long-running Oregon type during which the coin was made at all three operating mints during the same year. They were sold in three-piece sets for $6.25 each and proved quite popular with collectors.
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The coins were designed by James Earle Fraser and Laura Gardin Fraser, a husband-and-wife coin design team known for producing some beautiful numismatic art. The Oregon half dollar was no exception, with many calling it one of the most beautiful commemorative coins ever produced in the United States. The obverse features a Native American standing tall before a geographical outline of the United States, itself tracing a wagon train path across the western portion of the map where the 2,000-mile Oregon Trail was charted in the early 19th century.
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All 1938 Oregon Trail half dollars are relatively easy to find in nice uncirculated grades, as most were saved in the grades of MS64-66. However, above those levels this coin becomes extraordinarily scarce, with only small handfuls known in grades of MS67, MS68, or higher.
