1892 Columbian Exposition. Proof-66 (NGC).This exceptionally well produced Columbian Exposition half dollar could only be a survivor of one of the types extremely limited Proof deliveries. Fully defined throughout, the definition is particularly impressive in the center of the reverse, where sharp rigging is noted for the <em>Santa Maria</em>. The light pinkish-silver iridescence that dominates the coins overall appearance allows ready appreciation of a lively Proof finish at direct viewing angles. Solidly in the Gem category, and eagerly awaiting inclusion in an advanced collection of classic U.S. Mint commemorative coinage or Columbiana.<p>Proofs of this issue were produced to the extent of just 103 pieces, all of which were struck by hand at the Philadelphia Mint on November 19 of that year. These coins were made at the request of Colonel James Ellsworth, a member of the Worlds Columbian Exposition Commission and one of the most famous numismatists of all time. Ellsworths request, in turn, stemmed from an offer from the firm of Wyckoff, Seamans and Benedict - producers of the Remington Standard Typewriter - to pay the Commission $10,000 for the first Columbian Exposition half dollar struck. Exposition President Harlow N. Higinbotham was content to use the first circulation strike coin for this publicity stunt, but Ellsworth succeeded in having the Proofs produced, the first of which was used for this purpose. Interestingly, the mintage of 103 Proofs for this issue includes the first 100 coins struck, plus the 400th, 1,492nd and 1,892nd examples from the press run, the final three corresponding to the fact that the year 1892 represented the four hundredth anniversary of Columbus "discovery" of the New World in 1492. In premium Gem Proof, the specimen offered here ranks among the finest certified. It is a lovely and rare coin the inclusion of which would define the importance of any numismatic cabinet.PCGS# 9295. NGC ID: BYMW.NGC Census: 3; 0 finer in this category. The corresponding PCGS Population is similar at 3/1 (Proof-67 finest).
