Q. David Bowers
(Also see preceding listing)
Dates on coins: 1893 (also 1492)
Date when coins were actually minted: 1893
Mint used: Philadelphia
Maximum quantity authorized: 5,000,000 (includes issues dated 1892)
Total quantity minted (including assay coins): 4,052,105
Assay coins (included in above): 2,105
Quantity melted: 2,501,700
Net number distributed (including assay coins): 1,550,405
Standard original packaging: Apparently, none (see listing under 1892 for private packaging);
Columbian half dollars with ribbons and clasps were produced in 1893 as souvenirs of Chicago Day at the Exposition
Official sale price: $1
Interesting fact: Most of the 1893 mintage went to the melting pot.
1895 MS-60 to 63 55¢
1900 MS-60 to 63 65¢-$1
1905 MS-60 to 63 60¢-$1
1910 MS-60 to 63 60¢-$1
1915 MS-60 to 63 55¢-$1
1920 MS-60 to 63 65¢
1925 MS-60 to 63 65¢
1930 MS-60 to 63 75¢
1935 MS-60 to 63 $1
1936 (summer) MS-60 to 63 75¢
1940 MS-60 to 63 75¢
1945 MS-60 to 63 $1.25
1950 MS-60 to 63 $1
1955 MS-60 to 63 $1.25
1960 MS-60 to 63 $3
1965 MS-60 to 63 $4
1970 MS-60 to 63 $7
1975 MS-60 to 63 $26
1980 MS-60 to 63 $155
1985 MS-60 to 63 $265
1986 MS-60 $80, MS-63 $175, MS-64 $380, MS-65 $1,300
1990 (spring) MS-60 $75, MS-63 $490, MS-64 $1,500, MS-65 $5,000
1990 (December) MS-60 $55, MS-63 $325, MS-64 $800, MS-65 $3,200
Note: For a time in the market (see spring 1990) the 1893 Columbian half dollar in MS-65 grade was trading at a higher level than comparably graded coins dated 1892, an anomalous situation in the pricing history of these two issues.