The 1892–1893 Columbian Exposition Half Dollar was the very first commemorative coin ever issued by the United States Mint.

Key Numismatic Facts for Beginning Collectors

  • The Occasion: It was authorized by Congress to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus arriving in the Americas and to help fund the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition (Chicago World’s Fair).
  • First Historical Figure: It broke tradition as the first official U.S. coin to feature the likeness of a real historical person (Christopher Columbus) on the obverse.
  • The Designers: The obverse profile of Columbus was designed by Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber, while the reverse—depicting the Santa Maria over two hemispheres—was designed by George T. Morgan (creator of the Morgan Silver Dollar).
  • The $10,000 First Coin: The very first coin struck in November 1892 was bought at auction for a staggering $10,000 by the Remington Typewriter Company—an amount worth nearly a quarter of a million dollars today.
  • Into Circulation: Congress authorized 5 million of these 90% silver half-dollars (sold at the fair for $1.00 each), but poor sales left millions unsold. The Treasury eventually dumped the leftovers into regular circulation at face value (50 cents) or melted them down.