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 Replies: 12 / Views: 1,789 |
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Valued Member
United States
99 Posts |
I just purchased some Columbian half dollars, and let me tell you the main reason why, not because it was the first commemorative coin produced, but ALSO the FIRST coin minted as AMERICAN LEGAL TENDER with a FOREIGNER on the design! That is history in itself.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
5417 Posts |
Nice   hehe. |
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Valued Member
 United States
99 Posts |
I didnt get the coins in just yet...next week sometime. I will post pics when I receive them.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
36741 Posts |
Always liked these, mostly because my grandmother gave me one that she got when she went to the Fair in 1893.
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Pillar of the Community
Korea, Republic Of
1881 Posts |
Now that is a true family heirloom!
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Valued Member
United States
99 Posts |
I even heard they melted millions of them, which brings down the number of the ones in circulation.
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Moderator
 United States
15419 Posts |
Congratulations on your purchase and I hope to see some photos upon your receipt of the coins. Quote:
ALSO the FIRST coin minted as AMERICAN LEGAL TENDER with a FOREIGNER on the design! There could be a debate about that ... the 1893 dated Isabella Quarter dollar was for sale at the same exposition ... and to date that coin (Isabella) retains the distinction of having the only image of a foreign monarch on a USA mint coin. I concede that you are technically correct ... the 1892 dated Columbian half dollar was indeed the 1st US mint coin to feature a non-native portrait ... albeit it a contrived image of Christopher Columbus since no known image/portrait of him has survived the years. Most collectors of today associate the Columbian half and Isabella Quarter with the same event ... Hopeful that your Columbian purchase bring great collecting joy ... looking forward to the photos. David Take a look at my other hobby ... http://www.jk-dk.art |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
713 Posts |
Can't wait...  |
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Valued Member
United States
99 Posts |
I will post pics as soon as I receive them!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3486 Posts |
In 1893, the Isabella Quarter portrays a Spaniard. In 1900, the Lafayette Dollar, a Frenchman. Quite a bit of history! And I heard that the halves were simply released into circulation. Which is why so many circulated examples are available. The half was designed not by one but two men: Barber the obverse and Morgan the reverse. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5207 Posts |
While I have read that many of the unsold were released into circulation rather than melted I ma surprised that no one at the time said "Hey look at what I found in change today. These were selling for 2X face. I better keep this one" same as any roll hunter finding a proof or modern commem in a roll.
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Pillar of the Community
Russian Federation
5172 Posts |
Quote:
While I have read that many of the unsold were released into circulation rather than melted I ma surprised that no one at the time said "Hey look at what I found in change today. These were selling for 2X face. I better keep this one" same as any roll hunter finding a proof or modern commem in a roll. I suspect many did, if not for the "selling for 2x face" thing then just for the sheer coolness factor. Just as many would've tried to pass it on as quickly as possible to some other sucker before they have trouble with some merchant who doesn't think it's real money. And obviously there is no way to distinguish coins that were saved like that from coins that were bought originally (short of some of the latter being in their packages, and whatever the family stories say - which isn't necessarily true either). |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5207 Posts |
Quote:
Just as many would've tried to pass it on as quickly as possible to some other sucker before they have trouble with some merchant who doesn't think it's real money. You think like I think  |
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Replies: 12 / Views: 1,789 |
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Posted 04/11/2014 10:31 am
