1893 Silver Worlds Columbian Exposition Chicago Half Dollar, XIX Century 900 Silver High Grade order Coins, First USA Commemorative Half Dollar
1893 Silver Worlds Columbian Exposition Chicago Half Dollar 900 Silver High Grade.
1893 Silver Worlds Columbian Exposition Chicago Half Dollar, 900 Silver High Grade Coins, First USA Commemorative Half Dollar, Spanish Flag Ship Santa Maria, Two Hemisphere Globe Earth Planet, Obverse By Charles E Barber, Reverse By George T Morgan, Numismatics Collectible Memorabilia, XIX Century Coins Currency, Antique 1800s USA Dollars, Philadelphia Mint Coinage, Christopher Columbus Profile Cameo Portrait, The Discovery Of America New World, Made in USA
Dimensions Diameter 30.6mm Edge 2.5mm / All measurements are approximate / Item circulated and in very good condition / Only 950.000 were made. Most were heavily circulated and later melted / 45 /
In August 1892 Congress specially authorized the coinage of five million Columbian Exposition Half Dollar for sale during the 1892 World's Columbian Exposition to honor the 400th anniversary of Columbus' “discovery” of the New World. This was the first of the great World's Fairs to be honored with a commemorative coin. The first issue was dated 1892. The Exposition was scheduled to open in Chicago in October 1892, but did not open until May 1893, at which time additional coins bearing this new date were struck.
The obverse features the bust right of Christopher Columbus. The Columbian Exposition Half Dollar was originally supposed to be made by U.S.J. Dunbar. His design was based on a portrait painted by Lorenzo Lotto order of Columbus in 1512. The U.S. Mint's Chief Engraver at the time, Charles E. Barber, derailed any attempt by Dunbar from producing the coin, and instead took on the project, basing his depiction of Columbus allegedly on a bust made by artist Olin L. Warner.
Interesting Facts: The first specimen struck was bought for $10,000 by the firm that made Remington typewriters, as a publicity stunt. The 1892-1893 Columbian Exposition Half Dollar was the first U.S. legal tender coin to bear the portrait of a foreigner.
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