1939 Oregon Trail Memorial Commemorative Half Dollar

About This Coin

The 1939 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. 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. The final year of the Oregon Trail series, with only 3,004 pieces struck at each of the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 12.5 grams, 30.6 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. The Oregon Trail Half Dollar was designed by the husband-and-wife team James Earle and Laura Gardin Fraser.