Whitman Expo
1893 Columbian Exposition Half dollar MS RPD, FS-301 Values
Details
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.
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.
Basic Information
GSID:
351872
Coin Date:
1893
Denomination:
50c / Half dollar
Designation:
MS
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
1,550,405
Coinage Type:
Classic Commemorative
Coinage Years:
1892-1954
Composition:
90% silver; 10% copper
Varieties and Classification
Variety:
Columbian Exposition
Variety 2:
RPD, FS-301
Physical Characteristics
Fineness:
0.9
Weight:
12.5 gr
Weight:
0.475 oz
Precious Metal Weight:
0.3617 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
30.6 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
