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For the first time since 1926, the Oregon Trail half dollar type saw single-year output by both the Philadelphia and San Francisco Mints, with Philly producing twice as many examples in 1936 than its West Coast counterpart did that same year. Still, the 1936 Oregon half dollars are relatively common, with the Philadelphia-mint specimen especially so.
It should be noted that part of the reason for an increase in 1936 half dollars over those of previous years is that the issue price was dropped from $2 apiece to $1.60 each. Also, economic conditions in 1936 were improving somewhat in the United States, which was still suffering through the effects of the Great Depression but was emerging from the darkest days of the early 1930s.
The Oregon commemorative half dollar is considered by many among the most beautiful of all United States coins. Its design, honoring the pioneers who charted -- and often died along -- the 2,000-mile path reaching across the western United States, was the artistic brainchild of husband-and-wife coin design team James Earle Fraser and Laura Gardin Fraser.
Most 1936 Oregon half dollars of either the Philadelphia or San Francisco Mint were very well struck and exhibit decent luster. They are ordinarily found in grades ranging from MS63-66, though become scarce in grades of MS67 or better. As evidenced by the lack of worn examples as encountered in the marketplace, very few of these coins ever reached circulation.
Obverse Description
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 Description
The reverse shows a cattle-drive stagecoach rolling over a hill with a large sunset shining in the background.
Catalog Information
GSID:
10344
Designer:
James Earle Fraser, Laura Gardin Fraser
Obverse Designer:
James Earle Fraser
Reverse Designer:
Laura Gardin Fraser
Fineness:
0.9
Weight (gr):
12.5 gr
Weight (oz):
0.475 oz
Precious Metal Weight:
0.3617 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
30.6
Coin Shape:
Round
Edge:
Reeded
Variety:
Oregon Trail
Coin Date:
1936-S
Denomination:
50c
Designation:
MS
Mint Location:
San Francisco
Mint Mark:
S
Mintage:
5,006
Coinage Type:
Classic Commemorative
Coinage Years:
1892-1954
Composition:
90% silver; 10% copper
PCGS #:
9346
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Coin Value History
1936-S 50c Oregon Trail MS
Value By Grade
1936-S 50c Oregon Trail MS
CPG (retail) values
Currency
Grade Range
Grading Authority
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Pricing
Values
Greysheet & CPG® Values
| Grade | CAC | CPG Value (Retail) | Greysheet Price (Wholesale) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS68 |
|
$8,750 | $1,234 |
| MS68 | - | $7,000 | $1,234 |
| MS67 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS67 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS66 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS66 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS65 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS65 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS64 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS64 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS63 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS63 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS62 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS62 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS61 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS61 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS60 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS60 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU58 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU58 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU55 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU55 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU53 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU53 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU50 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| AU50 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| XF45 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| XF45 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
| XF40 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| XF40 | - | $1,234 | $1,234 |
1936-S 50C Oregon, MS65 PCGS. CDN: $260 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS65. Mintage 5,006....
$293
1936-S 50C Oregon, MS67 NGC. CDN: $560 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS67. Mintage 5,006. ...
$793
1936-S 50C Oregon MS64 PCGS. Mintage 5,006. ...
$288
1936-S 50C Oregon MS66 PCGS. Mintage 5,006. ...
$324
1936-S 50C Oregon MS68 NGC....
$2,640
1936-S 50C Oregon -- Cleaned -- ANACS. MS60 Details. Mintage 5,006....
$170
1936-S 50C Oregon MS63 PCGS. PCGS Population: (141/1666 and 0/41+). NGC Census: (29/1137 and 0/34+). CDN: $200 Whsle. Bid f...
$204
1936-S 50C Oregon MS62 ANACS. NGC Census: (2/1018). PCGS Population (15/1461). Mintage: 5,006. Numismedia Wsl. Price for pr...
$150
1936-S 50C Oregon MS65 PCGS. CDN: $260 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS65. Mintage 5,006. ...
$252
1936-S 50C Oregon MS67 PCGS. Mintage 5,006....
$660
1936-S 50C Oregon MS64 PCGS. Mintage 5,006. ...
$252
1936-S 50C Oregon MS66 PCGS. Mintage 5,006. ...
$336
1936-S 50C Oregon MS68 NGC. NGC Census: (32/0). PCGS Population: (11/0). CDN: $5,500 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS68. Mintage ...
$3,600
1936-S 50C Oregon -- Cleaned -- ANACS. MS60 Details. NGC Census: (0/1060). PCGS Population (0/1548). Mintage: 5,006. Numism...
$126
1936-S 50C Oregon MS63 PCGS. PCGS Population: (141/1587). NGC Census: (29/1099). CDN: $165 Whsle. Bid for problem-free NGC/...
$144
1936-S Oregon MS62 ANACS. ...
$94
1936-S 50C Oregon MS65 NGC. CAC. CAC Population: (71/264). Mintage 5,006. ...
$348
1936-S 50C Oregon MS67 PCGS. Mintage 5,006. ...
$576
1936-S 50C Oregon MS64 PCGS. PCGS Population: (385/1285). NGC Census: (167/979). CDN: $210 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS64. Mi...
$228
1936-S 50C Oregon MS66 PCGS. Gold CAC. This piece is housed in a PCGS green label holder. Mintage 5,006....
$2,040
1893 25c Isabella MS
Worth: $190 – $52,000
1900 $1 Lafayette MS
Worth: $360 – $80,000
1921 50c Alabama MS
Worth: $90 – $20,250
1921 50c Alabama, 2x2 MS
Worth: $150 – $14,500
1936 50c Albany MS
Worth: $160 – $16,100
1937 50c Antietam MS
Worth: $405 – $35,000
Arkansas 50c MS [Type]
Worth: $72 – $20,000
1935-PDS Set Arkansas MS
Worth: $216 – $4,400
1935 50c Arkansas MS
Worth: $72 – $1,800
1935-D 50c Arkansas MS
Worth: $72 – $24,000
1935-S 50c Arkansas MS
Worth: $72 – $1,100
1936-PDS Set Arkansas MS
Worth: $216 – $4,520
1936 50c Arkansas MS
Worth: $72 – $1,620
1936-D 50c Arkansas MS
Worth: $72 – $20,000
1936-S 50c Arkansas MS
Worth: $72 – $1,800
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