Whitman Expo
While reviewing the initial results in various categories of recent auctions, my initial take is that the sales were moderate to strong.
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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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Subject: I would like to contribute catalog info to CDN for 1936-S 50c Oregon Trail MS
Body: Referring page: http://www.greysheet.com/prices/item/1936-s-oregon-50c-silver-united-states-commemorative-coin/gsid/10344 GSID: 10344 Title: 1936-S 50c Oregon Trail MS
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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 |
1893 25c Isabella MS
Worth: $135 – $56,000
1900 $1 Lafayette MS
Worth: $200 – $80,000
1921 50c Alabama MS
Worth: $90 – $20,250
1921 50c Alabama, 2x2 MS
Worth: $105 – $18,000
1936 50c Albany MS
Worth: $170 – $16,800
1937 50c Antietam MS
Worth: $400 – $35,000
Arkansas 50c MS [Type]
![Arkansas 50c MS [Type]](https://images.greysheet.com/Ctc/CatalogEntry/ha_com_1302_4459-2.20200702183226140.jpg?MaxWidth=200&Mode=Pad&Scale=UpscaleCanvas&format=webp)
Worth: $75 – $20,000
1935-PDS Set Arkansas MS
Worth: $225 – $4,500
1935 50c Arkansas MS
Worth: $75 – $1,800
1935-D 50c Arkansas MS
Worth: $75 – $24,000
1935-S 50c Arkansas MS
Worth: $75 – $1,200
1936-PDS Set Arkansas MS
Worth: $225 – $4,620
1936 50c Arkansas MS
Worth: $75 – $1,620
1936-D 50c Arkansas MS
Worth: $75 – $20,000
1936-S 50c Arkansas MS
Worth: $75 – $1,800
1936-S 50C Oregon MS65 PCGS. Housed in a Generation 3.0 green label holder. CDN: $260 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS65. Mintage...
$464
1936-S Oregon Trail Memorial. MS-66 (PCGS). CAC. OGH.
$915
1936-S 50C Oregon MS64 PCGS. CDN: $230 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS64. Mintage 5,006. ...
$342
1936-S 50C Oregon Trail MS67+ NGC. CAC. CAC: 131 in 67, 11 finer (6/26). CDN: $800 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS67. Mintage 5,...
$1,159
1936-S 50C Oregon MS68 NGC....
$2,640
1936-S Oregon Trail Memorial. MS-63 (PCGS). OGH Generation 3.0.
$288
1936-S 50C Oregon -- Cleaned -- ANACS. MS60 Details. Mintage 5,006....
$170
1936-S Oregon Trail Memorial. Unc Details--Improperly Cleaned (NGC).
$112
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 NGC. CDN: $260 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS65. Mintage 5,006. ...
$317
1936-S 50C Oregon MS66 NGC. CDN: $300 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS66. Mintage 5,006. ...
$317
1936-S 50C Oregon MS64 PCGS. Housed in a Generation 1.2 "rattler" holder. CDN: $230 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS64. Mintag...
$390
1936-S Oregon Trail Memorial. MS-67 (PCGS). CAC.
$946
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 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 -- Cleaned -- ANACS. MS60 Details. NGC Census: (0/1060). PCGS Population (0/1548). Mintage: 5,006. Numism...
$126
1936-S Oregon MS62 ANACS. ...
$94
1936-S 50C Oregon MS65 PCGS. CDN: $260 Whsle. Bid for NGC/PCGS MS65. Mintage 5,006. ...
$390
1936-S Oregon Trail Memorial. MS-66 (PCGS). CAC.
$464
1936-S Oregon Trail Memorial. MS-64 (PCGS).
$336
Greysheet News
The Business of Numismatics: October 2026 Greysheet Editor's Letter
10/6/2026
Mack C. Chase Collection of Walking Liberty Half Dollars to Anchor Stack's Bowers Galleries' November 2026 Showcase Auction
More than 300 lots, consisting of high quality Walking Liberty half dollars from the Mack C. Chase Collection are set to cross the auction block as part of Stack's Bowers Galleries' November Showcase Auction, the official auction of the Whitman Expo.
10/6/2026
U.S. Coins and Jewelry acquires one of the rarest circulating coins in U.S. Mint history
The 1943 bronze Lincoln cent, graded Extra Fine by PCGS, was acquired from a family that held it unverified since the early 1960s.
10/1/2026
Events
Knoxville Coin and Currency Show - TN
Location: Rothchild Catering & Conference Center
Saturday, August 1, 2026
