1925 Fort Vancouver 50C PCGS MS64. This basically white, frosty Fort Vancouver commemorative Half Dollar shows lots of bright mint luster and light golden peripheral toning. There are a few obverse ticks and a couple of small bag marks on the trapper’s legs, in keeping with the grade. The strike is above average with most of the details apparent, especially the trapper’s fingers. Slight weakness is seen in McLoughlin’s hair.

The coin was designed by Laura Gardin Fraser based on sketches by John Urquhart and models by Sydney Bell. It shows a bust of Dr. John McLoughlin facing left. He was the builder of Fort Vancouver and the Chief Administrator in the Oregon Territory for the Hudson’s Bay Company. The reverse shows a frontiersman who stands ready to defend the settlement. The Columbia River and Mount Hood are seen in the background.

The coin was issued to celebrate the centennial of Fort Vancouver, Washington, which took place from August 17th to 24th in 1925. Although the coin was minted in San Francisco, by error the S mintmark was omitted.