I thought folks might enjoy checking out the Coin Counting Room at the World's Columbian Exposition. Following is a brief report from the February 1893 edition of World's Columbian Exposition Illustrated.
1892 World's Columbian Exposition - Christopher Columbus Half Dollar
"HANDLING SOUVENIR COINSWe had the honor to be granted the privilege of photographing the Souvenir Coin Department of the Exposition and in the accompanying illustration we present to our readers a view of the Treasurer's office in which the Exposition Souvenir Coins are handled. The view shows the office where the shipment of the coins were received and were being delivered. The coins were received from the United States Mint, Philadelphia, in oak kegs. There were 10,000 coins in each keg. The keg shown in the photograph with a linen bag placed thereon is the one which contained the first coin, for which $10,000 was paid. When the kegs are first opened the coins are carefully counted to ascertain if the number agrees with the shipment receipts from the mint. They are then ready to be paid out to those who have placed their order and hold a certificate for the same. These coins are the size of a regular fifty cent piece and are legal tender for the same amount. On one side is the profile of Columbus, and on the other is a cut of Columbus' ships and the two hemispheres. They are retailed by the Exposition company at one dollar each. They will be kept as a Souvenir of the Columbian Exposition, and in time to come will undoubtedly be considered of great value. [Oops! :)] In the picture will be seen in columns and lying on the tables as they are being counted, many thousands of these precious metals.
Counting Souvenir Coins in the Treasurer's Office of the World's Columbian Exposition 
Sitting between the tables, as shown in our photograph, is Mr. A. F. Seeberger, Treasurer of the World's Columbian Exposition. To Mr. Seeberger is due great credit in the able manner in which he has conducted this very responsible department of the Exposition. Indeed it is about the only department which can be said to have an unquestionable record. In the management of his work Mr. Seeberger receives very efficient assistance from his secretary, Mr. D. H. Lamberson, who may be seen in the picture standing directly behind Mr. Seeberger. Mr. A. B. Hush, head cashier of the Souvenir Coin Department, stands at his left. Much credit is due Mr. Hush for his skill and accuracy, as the first mistake is yet to occur in the handling of the coins. Mr. L. Udeman, chief clerk, stands by his side. Did space permit we could speak equally as well of the other able assistants to whom the responsible task of handling these precious metals has been entrusted. The coins, although costing one dollar, are given gratuitously with a subscription to this journal and can be had by addressing the publisher, J. B. Campbell, 159 Adams street, Chicago, Ill."
IMO, the complimentary coin was a good deal as an annual subscription to the journal cost $3.00 ($4.00 to Europe) and delivered 12 illustrated issues. Getting a free coin was like getting a 33% discount (US subscribers) on the journal.
The article was certainly enthusiastic about the new coins - certainly more than a 20/20 hindsight view would allow.
Did you notice that no where in the piece was the coin referred to as a "commemorative" - always a "Souvenir." This followed the authorizing legislation which also referred to the half dollar as a "souvenir" coin.
For other stories about commemorative coins and medals, including more about the Columbian Half Dollar, see:
Commems Collection..
Posted 12/27/2023 06:30 am
