1935 Old Spanish Trail. MS-67+ (PCGS). CAC.Gorgeous frosty surfaces are dressed in delicate pearl gray and pale pink iridescence, bolder gold and reddish-russet highlights confined to isolated peripheral areas. To commemorate the 400th anniversary of the expedition of Spanish explorer Cabeza de Vaca 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 eight coins for assay, 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.
