In recognition of the day...I previously posted an advertisement from February 1893 (before the Exposition opened - the Exposition opened May 1, 1893) that alerted potential buyers that stores/merchants across the country were then selling the souvenir coin. (You can see it here:
1892-93 World's Columbian Exposition - Casting A Larger Net.)
A few months earlier, in December 1892, just after the Exposition Company had received its first batch of coins from the Mint, an advertisement for the coins announced that the souvenir 50-cent pieces could be acquired from local banks or via mail order for $1.00 per coin.
I like how the Exposition Company hyped its "sense of duty" to deal directly with "the people" and reject offers from speculators! How could anyone with even a passing interest in the coin refuse such altruism?!
World's Columbian Exposition Souvenir Coin Advertisement - December 1892 Newspaper Ad
1892 World's Columbian Exposition Half Dollar

For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, including more Columbian Exposition stories, see: [b]
Commems Collection