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1938 50c Oregon Trail MS

Greysheet & CPG® Values
Melt Value (Silver): 0.3617 oz +13.77%
$13.72
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1938 Oregon half dollars were issued at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints, making it the first year of the long-running Oregon type during which the coin was made at all three operating mints during the same year. They were sold in three-piece sets for $6.25 each and proved quite popular with collectors.

The coins were designed by James Earle Fraser and Laura Gardin Fraser, a husband-and-wife coin design team known for producing some beautiful numismatic art. The Oregon half dollar was no exception, with many calling it one of the most beautiful commemorative coins ever produced in the United States. The obverse features a Native American standing tall before a geographical outline of the United States, itself tracing a wagon train path across the western portion of the map where the 2,000-mile Oregon Trail was charted in the early 19th century.

All 1938 Oregon Trail half dollars are relatively easy to find in nice uncirculated grades, as most were saved in the grades of MS64-66. However, above those levels this coin becomes extraordinarily scarce, with only small handfuls known in grades of MS67, MS68, or higher.

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: 10346
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: 1938
Denomination: 50c
Designation: MS
Mint Location: Philadelphia
Mintage: 6,006
Coinage Type: Classic Commemorative
Coinage Years: 1892-1954
Composition: 90% silver; 10% copper
PCGS #: 9348
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Coin Value History
1938 50c Oregon Trail MS
Value By Grade
1938 50c Oregon Trail MS
CPG (retail) values
Value by grade is available to subscribers. Subscribe to View

Values

Greysheet & CPG® Values
Melt Value (Silver): 0.3617 oz +13.77%
$13.72
GSID:10346 PCGS:9348 Shop related

Values

Greysheet & CPG® Values
Grade CAC CPG Value (Retail) Greysheet Price (Wholesale)
MS69 CAC $43,000 $1,234
MS69 - $36,000 $1,234
MS68 CAC $1,234 $1,234
MS68 - $1,234 $1,234
MS67 CAC $1,234 $1,234
MS67 - $1,234 $1,234
MS66 CAC $1,234 $1,234
MS66 - $1,234 $1,234
MS65 CAC $1,234 $1,234
MS65 - $1,234 $1,234
MS64 CAC $1,234 $1,234
MS64 - $1,234 $1,234
MS63 CAC $1,234 $1,234
MS63 - $1,234 $1,234
MS62 CAC $1,234 $1,234
MS62 - $1,234 $1,234
MS61 CAC $1,234 $1,234
MS61 - $1,234 $1,234
MS60 CAC $1,234 $1,234
MS60 - $1,234 $1,234
AU58 CAC $1,234 $1,234
AU58 - $1,234 $1,234
AU55 CAC $1,234 $1,234
AU55 - $1,234 $1,234
AU53 CAC $1,234 $1,234
AU53 - $1,234 $1,234
AU50 CAC $1,234 $1,234
AU50 - $1,234 $1,234
XF45 CAC $1,234 $1,234
XF45 - $1,234 $1,234
XF40 CAC $1,234 $1,234
XF40 - $1,234 $1,234

Auction Prices

Recent public sale records for this item
See all
1938 50C Oregon, MS67+ NGC. CDN: $580 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS67. Mintage 6,006. ...
$793
Sold 2/2/2026
Heritage Auctions
1938 50C Oregon, MS66 NGC. CDN: $280 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS66. Mintage 6,006....
$390
Sold 2/2/2026
Heritage Auctions
1938 50C Oregon MS65 NGC. CAC. Mintage 6,006. ...
$300
Sold 8/18/2025
Heritage Auctions
1938 50C Oregon MS68 NGC....
$3,960
Sold 1/17/2025
Heritage Auctions
1938 50C Oregon MS64 NGC. Mintage 6,006. ...
$228
Sold 11/18/2024
Heritage Auctions
1938 50C Oregon MS63 NGC. Gold CAC. NGC Census: (32/1259). PCGS Population: (148/2080). CDN: $210 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS M...
$400
Sold 6/12/2023
Heritage Auctions
1938 Oregon 50c NGC UNC Details (Cleaned)
$185
Sold 1/9/2023
DLRC
1938 50C Oregon MS62 ICG. NGC Census: (0/1052). PCGS Population (13/1722). Mintage: 6,006. Numismedia Wsl. Price for NGC/PC...
$104
Sold 10/5/2008
Heritage Auctions
1938 50C Oregon--Cleaned--ANACS, Unc Details, Net AU55, ... (3 Coins)
$368
Sold 7/26/2004
Heritage Auctions
1938 50C Oregon MS67 PCGS. Mintage 6,006....
$576
Sold 11/17/2025
Heritage Auctions
1938 50C Oregon, MS66 PCGS. CDN: $280 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS66. Mintage 6,006....
$366
Sold 2/2/2026
Heritage Auctions
1938 50C Oregon MS65 PCGS. CAC. This piece is housed in a PCGS green label holder. PCGS Population: (793/806). NGC Census: ...
$420
Sold 4/21/2025
Heritage Auctions
1938 50C Oregon MS68 NGC....
$4,320
Sold 11/20/2024
Heritage Auctions
1938 50C Oregon MS64 PCGS. PCGS Population: (530/1575). NGC Census: (176/1108). CDN: $230 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS64. Min...
$216
Sold 12/27/2023
Heritage Auctions
1938 Oregon 50c PCGS MS63 (OGH)
$240
Sold 10/31/2022
DLRC
1938 50C Oregon--Cleaned--ICG. MS60 Details. NGC Census: (0/1070). PCGS Population (0/1755). Mintage: 6,006. Numismedia Wsl...
$138
Sold 3/3/2009
Heritage Auctions
1938 Oregon MS62 ANACS. ...
$89
Sold 5/4/2004
Heritage Auctions
1938 50C Oregon MS67+ NGC. CDN: $580 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS67. Mintage 6,006....
$780
Sold 10/22/2025
Heritage Auctions
1938 50C Oregon MS66 NGC. Housed in a Generation 5 fatty holder. CDN: $280 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS66. Mintage 6,006....
$372
Sold 12/15/2025
Heritage Auctions
1938 50C Oregon MS65 PCGS. Mintage 6,006. ...
$264
Sold 11/27/2024
Heritage Auctions
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