View All 1928 Oregon Trail Memorial Commemorative Half Dollar

1928 Oregon Half Dollar

Strike Type

Coin Details

Year

1928

Denomination

Classic Commemoratives

Mint Mark

Strike Type

Regular Strike

Series

Classic Silver Commemoratives (1892-1954)

Designer

James Earle Fraser and Laura Gardin Fraser

Mintage

6,028

Composition

90% Silver, 10% Copper

Weight

12.5g

Diameter

30.6mm

Edge

Reeded

Auction Record

$12,075 MS67 01-03-2006 American Numismatic Rarities

Description

The 1928 Oregon Half Dollar is a commemorative half dollar struck at the Philadelphia Mint. With a mintage of just 6,028, this is a scarce issue sought by specialists. Authorized in 1926 to memorialize the historic Oregon Trail migration and the pioneer spirit that opened the American West. The obverse features a Native American chief standing with an outstretched arm, with a map of the United States in the background and a sun setting over the Rocky Mountains, while the reverse displays a Conestoga wagon drawn by oxen heading westward along the Oregon Trail, with the sun rising ahead. Designed by James Earle Fraser and Laura Gardin Fraser. Produced only at the Philadelphia Mint with 6,028 pieces — one of the lower mintages in the series. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 12.5 grams, 30.6 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #9342. The Oregon Trail Half Dollar is widely considered one of the most beautiful classic commemoratives, designed by husband-and-wife team James Earle and Laura Gardin Fraser. Multiple year-mint combinations create collecting variety, with some issues being quite scarce.