Columbus Commerative Half

Pretty common. Without a pic it is hard to say but it is most likely a less than $20 coin.

Good point Nickelsearcher! I just assumed an Expo coin

1992 = 500th anniversary

So to clarify, the coin is supposedly the 1893. The email was from the New England Mint.

$30, below is the info:

As the first commemorative Half Dollar struck, the Columbian half holds a special place in the long and historic commemorative series. From the first proof striking that sold for $10,000 in 1892, (The first specimen struck was bought for $10,000 by the firm that made Remington typewriters, as a publicity stunt) and to the final 1893 business strike, Columbian Halves were popularly collected at the time and in the hundred years since.

In August 1892 Congress specially authorized the coinage of 5 million half dollars for sale during the 1892 World's Columbian Exposition to honor the 400th anniversary of Columbus "discovery" of the New World. This was the first of the great World's Fairs to be honored with a commemorative coins. The first issue was dated 1892. The Exposition was scheduled to open in Chicago in October 1892, but did not open until May 1893, at which time additional coins bearing this new date were struck.

The obverse features the bust right of Christopher Columbus. The coin was originally supposed to be made by U.S.J. Dunbar. His design was based on a portrait painted by Lorenzo Lotto of Columbus in 1512. The U.S. Mint's Chief Engraver at the time, Charles E. Barber, derailed any attempt by Dunbar from producing the coin, and instead took on the project, basing his depiction of Columbus allegedly on a bust made by artist Olin L. Warner.

Barber clashed with Exposition officials over the reverse as well, favoring his own design of the Western Hemisphere covering the entire reverse. Exposition officials wanted a depiction of Columbus' flag ship the Santa Maria poised over two globes. Seeking to absolve himself of the argument, Barber delegated the task to his Assistant Engraver, George T. Morgan to design the reverse.

• The coins were sold at $1 each at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago during 1893
• Christopher Columbus on the obverse (heads side) and his flag ship
• The Santa Maria, on the reverse
• Certificate of Authenticity

Yup, That^ says nada! Go to a local shop you will get one for less.

sounds great! thanks for the advice. glad I asked. I was planning on checking out the local coin shop this weekend anyway.

i was planning on it and after what transpired here this evening, I want to continue to collect and contribute that much more.