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Entry Details
Coin Date: Oregon Trail Memorial Denomination (Short): 50c Denomination (Long): Half dollar Desg: MS Mint Mark: Various Composition: 90% silver; 10% copper Strike Type: Business Coinage Type: Classic Commemorative Coinage Years: 1926-39 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: The Oregon Trail half dollar is one of the most popular and beautiful designs of the classic commemorative series. Issued from 1926 to 1939 this series reigns as the longest-produced design during the entire classic commemorative series, having been struck over the course of 14 years.
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Many say the Oregon half dollar is one of the earliest types of commemoratives that was really afflicted by the abuses and manipulation that eventually brought an end to the commemorative coin program of 1892-1954. Regardless of the controversy surrounding this coin, which will be touched on in this and other listings for this piece, the Oregon half dollar is largely regarded as one of the most beautiful coins the United States Mint ever produced. It honors the 2,000-mile Oregon Trail and the many pioneers who charted the path and died along the route. The 1926 issues were sold for $1 each.
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The coin was designed by husband-and-wife coin-designing team James Earle Fraser and Laura Gardin Fraser.
