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The 1893 Columbian Exposition Half Dollar was the first commemorative coin ever issued by the United States government. It was created to celebrate the World's Columbian Exposition held in Chicago in 1893, marking the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s voyage to the Americas. Key Facts Designer: Charles E. Barber Years Minted: 1892–1893 Mint: United States Mint (Philadelphia, no mint mark) Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper Design Obverse (front): A portrait of Christopher Columbus, facing left. Reverse (back): The flagship Santa María sailing above two hemispheres representing the New World. Historical Purpose The coin was sold for $1 at the exposition to raise funds for the fair. Although over 950,000 were minted in 1893, many did not sell and were later released into circulation at face value. Collectibility Today, the 1893 issue is common among early U.S. commemoratives but still popular with collectors because it represents: The beginning of U.S. commemorati