Oregon Trail Commemorative Half Dollar 1936 AU About Uncirculated. A genuine 1936 Oregon Trail Memorial Commemorative Silver Half Dollar Coin, in AU About Uncirculated Condition. This 90% silver half dollar is from the first commemorative issue produced by the Denver Mint. Bearing uniquely American designs, it was struck to honor the Oregon Trail and the brave pioneers who traveled it. James Earle Fraser – creator of the Buffalo nickel – designed the reverse. It shows Native American in full headdress, standing tall before a map of the United States. He faces east with left hand stretched out in greeting. In his right, he holds an unstrung bow. Laura Gardin Fraser (wife of James) designed the obverse. On it, a pioneer family drives their oxen and covered wagon towards the setting sun. The images used for this listing are stock photos from our inventory.