The 1936-S Bay Bridge commemorative has an interesting story, having been minted to celebrate the opening of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, which opened in November 1936. Appropriately, all 100.055 coins were minted at the nearby San Francisco Mint, though only 71,424 were distributed. While most of the classic commemorative coins were distributed in conventional fashion by mint facilities, benefits, private and public organizations, many of the Bay Bridge commemoratives were sold near the bridge via drive-through booths.

The Bay Bridge half dollar was designed by Oakland resident Jacques Schnier. The coin's obverse showcases the iconic grizzly bear of California, while the reverse offers a scenic depiction of the Bay Bridge with the Ferry Building and two boats in the water.

Many Bay Bridge half dollars are found with circulation wear, but the majority are uncirculated and in the grades of MS63-66. Examples grading MS67 are rare and those grading MS68 or better are extremely rare. Most display excellent luster and nice overall eye appeal.