1893 columbian half dollar is this worth something please need help? Thanks

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Hi there, this coin came out in 1892 for the Chicago World Fair but took so long to mint that they had to eventually change the year to 1893. The 1893 is the more common date and your coin appears to be circulated and possibly cleaned. I’d say it’s probably worth between $8-20, if you find the right buyer. It has around $6 of silver in it. Here’s some reading on it: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbian_half_dollar

@ldhair

 

Thanks. What’s the proof means? Is it not possible?

 

It seems so different compare to others though

 

Can you restate the question? I don’t understand what you’re asking.

 

If you are asking if your coin is a proof coin, I would say it is not. It looks like your coin might’ve been cleaned. http://www.pcgscoinfacts.com/Coin/Detail/9295

 

Sorry, the coin is excellent condition do you think it’s only worth $8?

 

I do. But with Baby soap and foam only

 

It used to look like that

 

I got this from the collector 10 years ago

 

Welcome to CT!!
If you read @Seattlite86 reply again, he stated it was worth between $8-$20 and he is correct. Looks EF to AU and possibly cleaned. Toning looks like it could be nice though.

 

Thanks.

 

Are circulated and proof coins have the same size and weight?

 

Yes they do. Proof coins tend to have more of a mirrored field and a much larger contrast between the devices and the field. Yours is a business strike not a proof.

While I don't have an 1893 Columbian Half Dollar in proof or business strike to show you I can show you in the difference Eisenhower Dollars. Maybe this will help ya.

This is a Business Strike of an Ike.

This is a Proof Strike.

The background on the proof is dark due to the mirrored finish. Also note how much more the devices stand out on the proof. While the strikes weren't quite this good in 1893 the difference between a Proof and Business strike was still noticeable.

 

Ah ok! Interesting. Thanks. Does almost all coins have the same patterns?

 

There were only 5 proofs minted of the 1893 Columbian.

 

Don't clean your coins with soap! There are many discussion on this issue on this site.

 

Have to be super careful, soap can have lye in it. Maybe $10.
Silver content ‎0.36169 troy oz, silver is low right now, melt value: $5.15.

 

Ouch, silver is way low.