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.