The Columbian Exposition Coin refers to a special series of coins issued by the U.S. Mint in 1892 and 1893 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s voyage to the Americas and to help fund the World’s Columbian Exposition held in Chicago.
Here’s a breakdown of the key information:
- First US commemorative coins: The Columbian Exposition Half Dollar (and later the Queen Isabella Quarter) were the very first commemorative coins issued by the United States Mint, marking a significant milestone in U.S. numismatic history.
- Purpose: The coins were authorized by Congress with the intention that they be sold at a premium to help cover the costs of the World’s Columbian Exposition.
- Design:
– Obverse: Features a portrait of Christopher Columbus, designed by Charles E. Barber, after a concept by Olin Levi Warner.
– Reverse: Depicts Columbus’s flagship, the Santa Maria, above two hemispheres representing the Old and New Worlds. This was designed by George T. Morgan, also after a concept by Olin Levi Warner.
- Mintage and Distribution:
– Initially, 5,000,000 half dollars were struck, [according to Wikipedia].
– 950,000 of the 1892-dated coins and 1,550,405 of the 1893-dated coins were struck and distributed.
– However, fewer than 400,000 were sold at the premium price, and about 2,000,000 were released into general circulation, [says Wikipedia].
– Approximately 2,501,700 half dollars (all dated 1893) were eventually melted due to lack of sales.
- Value and Condition:
– The value of Columbian Exposition Half Dollars varies greatly depending on their condition. Circulated coins can be found for under $20, while coins in near-pristine condition (MS-66) can sell for around $700, according to a 2018 catalog mentioned by [Wikipedia].
– The NGC Price Guide estimates the value of an 1892 or 1893 Columbian Half Dollar in Mint State (MS) between $30 and $21,000 in the current market, according to the [NGC Coin Explorer].
In addition to the half dollar, a smaller number of Columbian Exposition Quarter Dollars were also minted, featuring a portrait of Queen Isabella.
