NNP Encyclopedia data is provided in cooperation of Collectibles Technology Corporation (CTC) and CDN Publishing, LLC. NNP assumes no liability or accuracy of this data.
Entry Details
PCGS Number: 145747 Coin Date: 1893 Denomination (Short): 50c Denomination (Long): Half dollar Variety: Columbian Exposition Variety 2: RPD, FS-301 Desg: MS Composition: 90% silver; 10% copper Mintage: 1,550,405 Strike Type: Business Coinage Type: Classic Commemorative Coinage Years: 1892-1954 Mint Location: Philadelphia Diameter: 30.6 Fineness: 0.9 Weight (Grams): 12.5 Weight (Ounces): 0.36169 Designer: Charles E. Barber, George T. Morgan Edge: Reeded General Notes:
Following the issuance of the 1892 Columbian Exposition half dollar, the first United States commemorative coin, the US Mint released a second run of Columbian halves in 1893. While the World's Columbian Exposition was intended to open in 1892 to honor the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' transatlantic expedition in 1492, the event did not kick off until 1893. The United States Mint sold the 1893 Columbian half dollars at the fair for $1 each, and the popular coins were sold in huge numbers of more than 1.5 million.
<BR><BR>
The Columbian Exposition half dollars were designed by Charles E. Barber and George T. Morgan. Though seeing a large mintage, the 1893 Columbian half dollar was widely distributed, many did not wind up in proper coin collections but rather were squirreled away in change jars and boxes and eventually spent. In fact, most Columbian halves encountered today show wear. Gem uncirculated specimens are tough, with MS66s very scarce and examples grading MS67 or better quite rare. PCGS #: 145747 NGC ID: BYGG
