Whitman Expo
1933-D Oregon Trail Half dollar MS TDR, FS-801 Values
Details
The 1933-D Oregon Trial half dollar, struck at the Denver Mint, is one of the scarcer of the examples of this commemorative type, which was struck over a 14-year period spanning from 1926 through 1939. The coin honors the many pioneers involved with the 2,000-mile-long Oregon Trail, charted across the western United States beginning in the early 19th century. The coin was designed by husband and wife coin designers James Earle Fraser and Laura Gardin Fraser -- two of the most celebrated coin artists of their time, and their handiwork shows on the Oregon half dollar -- a coin many say is among the most beautiful ever minted.
The 1933-D Oregon half dollar saw a very low mintage, and even during the depths of the Great Depression coin collectors and others were willing to lay out $2 to buy an example. Most were saved in uncirculated condition, a state of preservation in which most survivors remain. The vast majority of these are encountered in grades of MS63-66, and the luster is generally quite frosty on these. The coin becomes quite scarce in grades of MS67 and rare in higher grades.
This coin is made of 90% silver; 10% copper and has a current melt value of $21.09
Obverse: 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: The reverse shows a cattle-drive stagecoach rolling over a hill with a large sunset shining in the background.
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
Denver
Mintage:
5,008
Coinage Type:
Classic Commemorative
Coinage Years:
1892-1954
Composition:
90% silver; 10% copper
Mint Mark:
D
Varieties and Classification
Variety:
Oregon Trail
Variety 2:
TDR, FS-801
Physical Characteristics
Fineness:
0.9
Weight:
12.5 gr
Weight:
0.475 oz
Precious Metal Weight:
0.3617 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
30.6 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
Design Details
Designer:
James Earle Fraser, Laura Gardin Fraser
Obverse Designer:
James Earle Fraser
Reverse Designer:
Laura Gardin Fraser
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