View All World's Columbian Exposition (1892-1893)

1892-1893 So-Called Dollar HK-186, Horticultural Building

Strike Type

Coin Details

Year

1892

Denomination

So-Called Dollars

Strike Type

Regular Strike

Series

National Commemorative & Expo So-Called Dollars

Composition

N/A

Diameter

35mm

Description

The 1892-1893 So-Called Dollar HK-186, Horticultural Building is a United States commemorative dollar. Authorized by Congress for the 1892-1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, this was the first commemorative coin issued by the United States. The obverse features a bust of Christopher Columbus facing right, while the reverse displays the Santa Maria sailing above two globes representing the Old and New Worlds, with the dates 1492 and 1892. Designed by Charles E. Barber (obverse) and George T. Morgan (reverse). The 1892 issue was the first year of production, with 950,000 coins struck at the Philadelphia Mint. 35 mm in diameter. Cataloged as PCGS #642471. As the coin that launched the entire U.S. commemorative series, the Columbian Half Dollar holds a foundational place in numismatic history. Despite high total mintages, gem uncirculated examples with strong luster command significant premiums.

Rarity Notes

Examples of HK-186 are scarce among so-called dollar collectors. Gilded Age commemorative medals survive in varying numbers depending on original mintage and subsequent preservation.