The Columbian Exposition Half Dollar and its Legacy

Curious about the story behind America’s very first commemorative coin—and the world’s fair it helped fund? 🎙️Join us on our latest podcast episode as we explore the fascinating history of the 1892–1893 Columbian Exposition Half Dollar and the monumental event it was created for: the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This coin wasn’t just pocket change—it marked a turning point in U.S. coinage and commemorated the 400th anniversary of Columbus’s voyage to the New World.But the story doesn’t stop there. We’ll take you inside the “White City,” a dazzling fairground of grand architecture, cultural exhibits, and technological marvels. You’ll hear about groundbreaking contributions from women, the creation of the first chocolate brownie, and the troubling exclusion of African Americans and other cultures from the main exhibits.Whether you’re a coin collector, history lover, or just someone who enjoys a good story, this episode uncovers a slice of American history that’s both inspiring and complex.🎧 Tune in and discover how one coin and one fair left a legacy that still shapes how we celebrate—and debate—our past. Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts!