1934 Oregon Trail Memorial Commemorative Half Dollar

About This Coin

The 1934 Oregon Trail Memorial Commemorative Half Dollar is a United States commemorative half dollar. Authorized in 1926 to memorialize the historic Oregon Trail migration and the pioneer spirit that opened the American West. The coin was produced intermittently from 1926 through 1939, with mintages varying widely by year and mint mark. It is one of the most artistically acclaimed designs in the classic commemorative series. 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. Struck at the Denver Mint with 7,006 pieces distributed. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 12.5 grams, 30.6 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. 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.