Numismatic

1892-1893 Columbian Expo Silver Half Dollar (Low Grade/Cleaned)

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In the early 1890s, the United States Mint embarked on a historic first by issuing its very first commemorative coin. Struck in 90% silver, this half dollar was created specifically to help fund the landmark 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, celebrating four centuries since Christopher Columbus first sailed to the Americas. The coin features the work of two distinct designers collaborating on a shared vision. The front shows a profile portrait of Christopher Columbus, crafted by Charles Barber from an initial concept by Olin Warner. The inscriptions on this side identify the nation as the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA alongside the denomination of HALF DOLLAR. On the reverse, George T. Morgan translated another concept by Olin Warner into a detailed depiction of Columbus's flagship, the Santa Maria. Below the vessel, two globes represent the hemispheres of the world. The surrounding text commemorates the COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION CHICAGO, marking a pivotal moment in global exploration and exhibition history.