1892 Worlds Exposition

Wonderful coin and one of my favorites as well. I've always believed the 1892 date choice was 'best' for this one (versus the 1893) as it truly does represent the nations first ever commemorative coin.

BTW ... did you know these were not officially commemorative coins? The US Treasury advertised them as "souvenir" coins.

If you are interested in some history of your coin, and collector reaction when it was issued, you can read this recent forum thread:

https://goccf.com/t/89175

To your example ... wondering if you can tell us how much (if any) luster remains on the coin? I don't see any obvious signs of cleaning, but the toned peripheral legends with white fields always makes me suspicious of a wipe in the past.

Also ... what's going on at the second "C" of "Chicago" on the reverse? If that is some organic material it can be carefully removed with acetone and a q-tip.

The coin has seen some wear, so I am agreeing with a technical grade on the order of AU50 ... pending your assessment of the originality of the surfaces.

Note that the weakness in the ships sails on the reverse is a strike issue mainly and not all due to circulation wear ... this is quite typical for the Columbian Half ... although as a general statement the 1892 issue was better struck than the 1893 coins.

I'm thrilled for you for your first classic silver commemorative ... holding such history in ones hands is truly inspiring to me.

What are you planning to choose for the other three 7070 holes?

Thanks for sharing.

David

I am still trying to figure "luster". I cannot be sure, but it doesn't look wiped to me. The coin shop owner said it had original toning although it was circulated.

The second "C" looks about the same in hand as the rest of the lettering. I've looked with my loop. The camera did something weird around that "C".

I am thinking possibly: Monroe Doctrine, Huguennot-Walloon Tercentenary, Connecticut Tercentenary, San Francisco Oakland, Norfork Va Bicentenial...there are so many! I am still trying to decide.

It seems that although the US Treasury does not consider this to be "Comemmorative" that many collectors treat it as such?

Welcome to the Commemorative hangout Chewyduck!

Looking forward to photos of your soon to be in hand 1924 Huguenot ... not a coin many folks pay attention to.

Promise you find a friendly ear and considered opinions on anything you post.

David