The 1893 Columbian half dollars have value as both numismatic coins and as silver bullion. Keep reading to learn more about these silver coins.

1893 Columbian Half Dollar

1893 Columbian Half Dollar Reverse

Specifications

Type: Commemorative Half Dollar
Year: 1893
Face Value: $0.50
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Silver Weight: .36169 oz.
Total Weight: 12.50 grams
Current Silver Bullion Value: $10.00

The US minted the 1893 Columbian half dollar as a commemorative coin. On the obverse side of the coin there is a bust of Christopher Columbus, and on the reverse side there is an image of Columbus' famous ship the Santa Maria above two hemispheres. The date 1492 is inscribed on the reverse side of the coin. This is the date that Columbus arrived in the New World.

Originally each coin was sold for $1 at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Many coins went unsold so they were later put into circulation or melted down for their silver value.

Each coin was minted in Philadelphia and there in no mint mark on any of the coins.

Series Location Distribution
1893 Philadelphia 1,550,405

Value

This coin in circulated condition is worth at least its weight in silver. The silver melt value for this coin is $10.00. This melt value is calculated from the current silver spot price of $27.65 per ounce.

The 1893 Columbian half dollar is worth around $20 in about uncirculated condition. In uncirculated condition these coins sell for around the following: $30 with an MS 60 grade, $110 with an MS 63 grade, $325 with an MS 65 grade, and $750 with an MS 66 grade.

There were roughly 100 brilliant proof coins minted. There isn't enough recent sales data to determine a value for proof coins.

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Sources:

The Red Book


See also:

1894 Half Dollar
1892 Columbian Half Dollar