PCGS Number: 9347
Coin Date: 1937-D
Denomination (Short): 50c
Denomination (Long): Half dollar
Variety: Oregon Trail
Desg: MS
Mint Mark: D
Composition: 90% silver; 10% copper
Mintage: 12,008
Strike Type: Business
Coinage Type: Classic Commemorative
Coinage Years: 1892-1954
Mint Location: Denver
Diameter: 30.6
Fineness: 0.9
Weight (Grams): 12.5
Weight (Ounces): 0.36169
Designer: James Earle Fraser, Laura Gardin Fraser
Edge: Reeded
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.
General Notes: The 1937-D Oregon Trail half dollar commemorates the 2,000-mile-long path cut through the western United States during the early 19th century. Many pioneers used the trail for trade, though it also served as a popular route for exploration during the early years of western expansion in a young America. The coin was designed by husband and wife coin artists James Earle Fraser and Laura Gardin Fraser, and it is widely viewed as a beautiful coin -- perhaps one of the most so ever struck by the United States. The obverse is anchored by a proud Native American standing before an outline of the United States, indicating the path of the trail with a line of miniature wagons cutting across the top left of the map. <BR><BR> With a mintage of just over 12,000, the 1937-D Oregon Trail half dollar is the highest post-1926 issue of the type. The vast majority are known in uncirculated condition, and most of those are found in grades of MS64-66, making it one of the most common Oregon halves to be found in that lofty grade range. Smaller numbers are known in MS67, a few dozen in MS68, and a tiny handful in MS69.
NGC ID: BYHG

1937-D 50c Oregon Trail