The World's Columbian Exposition Commemorative Half Dollars are widely accepted as the first U.S. commemorative and the first in the widely collected classic commemorative series. However, some argue that the 1848 CAL. quarter eagles were really the first U.S. commemoratives. The Columbian Exposition Half Dollars were also the first United States coin of regular issue to depict an actual historical person, Christopher Columbus. The silver used to coin many of the Columbian Half Dollars came from the melting of then uncurrent coins which were pulled from circulation and held by the Treasury, many of which were half dimes last minted in 1873. The Columbian Half Dollars were minted for two years, 1892 and 1893. This example is an 1893 Columbian Half Dollar which has been graded MS66* by NGC and is encapsulated in a newer-style edge-view holder. The star designation is given by NGC to coins with exceptional eye appeal. The coin has also been certified by CAC as being solid for the assigned grade. In this case, I believe NGC gave the coin a star designation because of its semi-prooflike fields. The fields on both sides are quite reflective, and I have tried to show that in the images provided, but maybe not quite strong enough to earn the PL designation from NGC. The coin is mostly bright white and extremely lustrous except for a couple of narrow bands of rainbow color near the rims. There are a couple of light marks on the piece, but it overall it looks very strong for the MS66 grade. A small mark on the upper reverse rim is of note and is a possible reason the numerical grade of the coin was limited to 66. An impressive looking Columbian Half Dollar. |