Numismatic

1936 Oregon Trail Memorial Half Dollar Commem BU

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Struck in 1936, this United States silver half dollar is part of the Oregon Trail Memorial series, which holds the distinction of being the longest-running commemorative program in the history of the United States Mint. Containing 0.3617 ounces of silver with a purity of 90 percent, this coin represents a fascinating era of American commemorative coinage, with a limited mintage of only 10,006 pieces. The obverse, created by Laura Fraser, displays a powerful image of a Native American figure standing tall against the backdrop of a map of the United States. Inscriptions on this side include the issuing nation, the face value of half dollar, and the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST." On the reverse, designed by James Earle Fraser, a classic pioneer scene unfolds. An ox-drawn covered wagon is depicted moving westward toward a setting sun, symbolizing the arduous journey of early emigrants. This side of the coin bears the inscriptions "OREGON TRAIL MEMORIAL" along with the year "1936."