Coin Value | Columbian Exposition, Chicago, Half Dollar 1892 and 1893

Columbian Exposition, Chicago, Half Dollar 1892 and 1893

Date: 1893	Mint mark: not apparent	Size: medium
Description: i have a 1893 columbian 1/2 dollar in very good condition (no mint mark)unidentified person on the front and a sailing ship on the backwhich is marked as (WORLDS COLUMBIAN EXPOSITION CHICAGO
Composition: silver	Wear: little or no wear	Eye appeal: tainted

[Request 1351 received from don wright, Sunday, 20-Sep-2009, answered by Chris]
[Reviewed by CoinQuest. Appraisal ok., Tuesday, 14-May-2013]

You have the first commemorative coin issued by the United States. There have been oodles more afterwards.

Catalog value for these pieces, both the 1892 and 1893 dates, is $25 US dollars in almost uncirculated condition, rising to $100 in fully uncirculated condition.
Worn coins catalog at about $15.

Be sure you understand what 'catalog' means. See our Important Terminology link.

That is none other than Christopher Columbus on the obverse (heads side) and his flag ship, the Santa Maria, on the reverse. The coins were sold at $1 each at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago during 1893.