Bidspirit auction | 1893 US Silver Columbian Exposition

1893 US Silver Columbian Exposition Commemorative Half Dollar - An 1893 United States silver Columbian Exposition commemorative half dollar. This coin was the first commemorative half dollar issued by the United States Mint to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus reaching the Americas. The obverse features a right-facing bust of Columbus, and the reverse depicts his flagship, the Santa Maria, above two hemispheres. The coin is struck in 90 percent silver. It is presented in a clear plastic capsule within a dedicated display folder from The American Historic Society (item #1406), which includes a certificate of authenticity and historical information. Diameter: 30.6 mm Weight: 12.5 grams. The coin is in very fine to extremely fine condition with visible wear on the high points of Columbus hair and cheek. There are scattered contact marks and hairlines in the fields. A band of dark peripheral toning is present along the rims of both the obverse and reverse. The coin has not been professionally graded by PCGS or NGC. The commemorative card holder shows minor shelf wear at the corners.