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Old Spanish Trail Half Dollar

Commemorative Coins

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1935 Old Spanish Trail Quadricentennial Silver Half Dollar Obverse

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1935 Old Spanish Trail Quadricentennial Silver Half Dollar Reverse

Year of Issue

1935

Authorizing Legislation

Public Law 74-97

Background

The Old Spanish Trail Half Dollar was released in 1935 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Cabeza de Vaca Expedition and the opening of the Old Spanish Trail.

Recipient Organization

The legislation stated: "Such coins may be disposed of at par or at a premium by said committee and all proceeds shall be used in furtherance of the El Paso Museum."

Characteristics

This obverse design features a Texas steer skull and the name of the pioneer Alvar Nunez Cabeza De Vaca.

The reverse features a yucca plant in flower and a map showing the trail taken by Cabeza De Vaca.

Obverse Inscriptions

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
HALF DOLLAR
E PLURIBUS UNUM
LIBERTY
ALVAR NUNEZ CABEZA DE VACA

Reverse Inscriptions

OLD SPANISH TRAIL
EL PASO
IN GOD WE TRUST
1535-1935

Mint and Mint Mark

Philadelphia