1935 Old Spanish Trail. MS-68 (NGC).Lovely satiny silver surfaces greet the viewer from both sides of this exceptionally smooth example. This is a delightful Superb Gem that is sure to catch the eye of astute collectors. To commemorate the 400th anniversary of the expedition of Spanish explorer Cabela de Vasa and the opening of the Old Spanish Trail, the Act of June 5, 1935 authorized the production of a maximum of 10,000 half dollars. The Philadelphia Mint achieved this mintage, plus an additional 8 coins for assay purposes, and all 10,000 examples were distributed to contemporary collectors. With its expansive field areas that usually display numerous distracting abrasions, the Old Spanish Trail is one of the most challenging classic commemorative half dollars to locate in the finest Mint State grades. Indeed, the present example would serve as a highlight in even the most advanced cabinet, and none are graded finer at either PCGS or NGC.
