Columbian Exposition 1/2 dollar

[bruce61813]

I had to put this one in, it was a special purpose commemorative made for the Columbian exposition in 1892-93. They were sold as souvenirs first and at the end of the Expo the mint reverted them to their face value and they went into circulation. So it is another medallion that became a coin.

Bruce

[Figleaf]

Very nice piece and it looks just a little bit circulated, adding to its authenticity (mine looks the same way). The US mint got the rigging of the Santa Maria right.

It reminds me of the time I visited Barcelona. As we walked out of a small alley into a square, my host casually observed that the king had met Columbus here after his return. Like it happened yesterday.

Peter

[bruce61813]

I usually don't collect American coins, too much fuss with grading, butI couldn't pass this one. It really is in great condition,
and for once looks like the scan, with all the details.

Bruce

[Chinasmith]

This piece was intended to be a coin -- by law anyway -- but the mint hoped to sell them all for a profit as souvenirs. They didn't sell very well, and there were a lot of them left over after the Exposition. Rather then melt them, the mint decided to simply release them into circulation.

[Prosit]

One of the few older US Commemoratives I own. I believe mine worked a little harder than yours but still looks pretty good.  Nice looking coin!

Dale

[bruce61813]

It is one of my favorites, and it is a "cross over" tha tmakes it better.

bruce

[Alan Glasser]

When selling a collection online recently for a friend, there were 6 of these Columbian Exposition half dollars, all lightly circulated, nice pieces in the collection. They all sold but for maybe $14-$15 each. There certainly is no shortage of high grade circulated examples and many are currently selling on e-bay for maybe $5 or $6 above silver melt. A very nice piece of history for very little money. Then of course, there is the "beautiful" piece in the auction below. What a steal at $300!!!!...and it already has 3 "offers".  I have to wonder what would make someone spend $25 to certify THAT coin...I'd make an offer of 49 cents for it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1892-Worlds-Columbian-Exposition-Half-Dollar-PCGS-About-Good-03-26595187-/200890910901?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item2ec60808b5

Alan

[Figleaf]

Hey, that coin is dated 1492!

Peter

[Alan Glasser]

Hey...that 1492 coin...it's almost as old as I am!   Ancient Alan