1926-P/S Oregon Trail Half Dollar NGC/PCGS MS65

Remember the Pioneers with the Stunning Oregon Trail Commemorative Half Dollar

Widely considered to be one of the most beautiful commemorative coins of the early commemorative era (1892-1954), the Oregon Trail Half Dollar was minted from 1926 through 1939. And, just as it depicts a journey across America for hardy travelers, it traveled far and wide itself to meet the demands of a general public who appreciated both the coin's national importance and its powerful imagery.

The beauty of this coin is immediately clear as well. Issued to pay homage to the thousands of pioneers who made the perilous, 2000-mile trek from Missouri to Oregon - often known as the Oregon Trail - its reverse was designed by one of the most prominent coin engravers of the day, James Earle Fraser. His wife, Laura Fraser, designed the obverse.

The obverse depicts a powerful Indian Chieftain with an outstretched arm to the East, standing as if to halt the westward expansion of the pioneers. He stands before an image of the United States, and is surrounded by the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." The obverse is also inscribed with the words "HALF DOLLAR." The reverse features a Conestoga covered wagon heading westward into a vibrant setting sun. Its inscriptions include the mintage date, the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST," and "OREGON TRAIL MEMORIAL."

Another reason for the coin's popularity was its legal tender value of 50 cents. This relatively low amount, particularly during the Great Depression, meant the coin was circulated widely. To meet the demand for this coin, the U.S. Mint struck the Oregon Trail Half Dollar in 1926, 1928, 1933, 1934, and every year from 1936-1939. The coin was struck at all three U.S. Mints: Denver, Philadelphia, and San Francisco.

These coins have been graded by either the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) or Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) as MS65. This Mint State grade assures you that your coin will arrive well struck, with only moderate marks or hairlines. With such a small population of original coins and the fact that so many of them entered circulation at a popular legal tender value, finding quality commemoratives today at such a high grade is challenging - but not for you. Through GovMint.com, you can add this remarkable piece of history to your collection today.