1893-P Columbian Exposition Commemorative Half Dollar AU–BU

The U.S. Mint’s First Modern Commemorative Coin

Here’s the first modern commemorative ever issued by the United States Mint—the vintage 1893 Columbian Exposition Half Dollar. The coin was struck to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the New World and was sold to collectors to raise funds for the World’s Columbian Exposition, a World’s Fair held in Chicago in 1893. The coin’s obverse design features the bust of Columbus designed by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber. The reverse shows Columbus’s flagship, Santa Maria, and two globes representing the Old and New Worlds as designed by then Assistant Mint Engraver George T. Morgan.

Christopher Columbus And The World’s Columbian Exposition

Though claims of his “discovering” America may be dubious, there’s no questioning Christopher Columbus’ importance to American history. In August of 1492, Columbus left Spain with the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria. By mid-October, he had reached “the New World,” which was actually an island in the Bahamas. Introduced by the U.S. Mint as America’s first official commemorative coin, the Columbian Half-Dollar made its debut at the 1892 World’s Columbian Exposition. These coins were sold for $1 at the fair, and nearly one million examples were sold in the first year.

About Uncirculated To Brilliant Uncirculated Condition

Each 1893 Columbian Exposition Half-Dollar available here was struck at the “Mother Mint” in Philadelphia in 12.5 grams of highly pure 90% fine silver. Each also comes in About Uncirculated to Brilliant Uncirculated (AU–BU) condition—a big positive because many of the Columbian Half Dollars entered circulation during the economic depression that lasted from 1893 to 1896 and were spent to put food on the table. In addition to its intriguing designs, this coin will make a cool addition to your personal collection because it was the first “modern” commemorative ever issued by the United States Mint. Availability is extremely limited, so act fast!