1935 Old Spanish Trail Half Dollar

The story behind this coin

Promoter L. W. Hoffecker secured this coin for the 400th anniversary of Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca’s journey through the Gulf region. Hoffecker also designed and distributed the issue from El Paso. Its tiny one-year mintage and unusual cow-head rebus make it one of the classic series keys.

Design and symbolism

Obverse: A cow head representing Cabeza de Vaca.

Reverse: Yucca and map of the Gulf states.

Regular issues and mintages

The figures in this 1935 Old Spanish Trail Half Dollar table report the regular collector issues shown for this commemorative. Where sponsors returned unsold coins for melting, the listed quantity reflects net distribution rather than the larger number initially struck.