1893 Columbian Exposition Half Dollar Silver Commemorative Coin
The 1893 Columbian Exposition Half Dollar Silver Commemorative Coin is one of the most well-known coins in American history. It was created to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the New World. The coin was designed by Charles E. Barber and was produced from 1892 to 1893. The Columbian Exposition Half Dollar was the first commemorative coin to be minted by the United States Mint.
The Design of the Coin
The front of the Columbian Exposition Half Dollar features a portrait of Christopher Columbus, while the back of the coin depicts the Santa Maria, the ship that Columbus sailed to the New World. The coin also features the words "Columbian Half Dollar" and the dates "1492" and "1892-3" on the front and back of the coin, respectively. The coin was struck in .900 fine silver and had a diameter of 30.6 mm.
The Purpose of the Coin
The Columbian Exposition Half Dollar was created to help fund the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, which was held in Chicago to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Columbus's arrival in the New World. The coin was sold to the public for $1 each, with the proceeds going towards the construction of the exposition's buildings and exhibits. The coin was also meant to serve as a souvenir for visitors to the exposition.
The Reception of the Coin
The Columbian Exposition Half Dollar was a huge success, both in terms of its popularity with the public and its ability to raise funds for the exposition. Over 2 million coins were sold, making it one of the most widely distributed commemorative coins in American history. The coin was also praised for its beautiful design and high quality, which helped to establish the United States Mint as a producer of high-quality commemorative coins.
The Legacy of the Coin
The Columbian Exposition Half Dollar has had a lasting impact on American coin collecting and commemorative coin production. It paved the way for other commemorative coins to be minted by the United States Mint, and it helped to establish the tradition of creating coins to commemorate significant events in American history. Today, the Columbian Exposition Half Dollar is a highly sought-after coin among collectors, and it remains an important part of American numismatic history.
Conclusion
The 1893 Columbian Exposition Half Dollar Silver Commemorative Coin is a fascinating piece of American history. It was created to commemorate a significant event in American history, and it played an important role in the development of commemorative coin production in the United States. Today, the coin remains a popular collector's item and a testament to the enduring legacy of Christopher Columbus and his arrival in the New World.
