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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:
10352
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-PDS
Denomination:
Set
Designation:
MS
Mintage:
6,005
Coinage Type:
Classic Commemorative
Coinage Years:
1938
Composition:
90% silver; 10% copper
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Coin Value History
1938-PDS Set Oregon Trail MS
Value By Grade
1938-PDS Set 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) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS69 |
|
$129,500 | $1,234 |
| MS69 | - | $108,000 | $1,234 |
| MS68 |
|
$1,234 | $1,234 |
| MS68 | - | $1,234 | $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 |
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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