Whitman Expo
1937-D Oregon Trail Half dollar MS Values
Details
The 1937-D Oregon Trail half dollar commemorates the 2,000-mile-long path cut through the western United States during the early 19th century. Many pioneers used the trail for trade, though it also served as a popular route for exploration during the early years of western expansion in a young America. The coin was designed by husband and wife coin artists James Earle Fraser and Laura Gardin Fraser, and it is widely viewed as a beautiful coin -- perhaps one of the most so ever struck by the United States. The obverse is anchored by a proud Native American standing before an outline of the United States, indicating the path of the trail with a line of miniature wagons cutting across the top left of the map.
With a mintage of just over 12,000, the 1937-D Oregon Trail half dollar is the highest post-1926 issue of the type. The vast majority are known in uncirculated condition, and most of those are found in grades of MS64-66, making it one of the most common Oregon halves to be found in that lofty grade range. Smaller numbers are known in MS67, a few dozen in MS68, and a tiny handful in MS69.
This coin is made of 90% silver; 10% copper and has a current melt value of $30.44
Obverse: 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: The reverse shows a cattle-drive stagecoach rolling over a hill with a large sunset shining in the background.
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
Denver
Mintage:
12,008
Coinage Type:
Classic Commemorative
Coinage Years:
1892-1954
Composition:
90% silver; 10% copper
Mint Mark:
D
Varieties and Classification
Variety:
Oregon Trail
Physical Characteristics
Fineness:
0.9
Weight:
12.5 gr
Weight:
0.475 oz
Precious Metal Weight:
0.3617 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
30.6 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
Design Details
Designer:
James Earle Fraser, Laura Gardin Fraser
Obverse Designer:
James Earle Fraser
Reverse Designer:
Laura Gardin Fraser
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