© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
¼ Dollar "Isabella Quarter" Columbian Exposition Commemorative
1893 year| Silver (.900) | 6.25 g | 24.3 mm |
| Issuer | United States |
|---|---|
| Period | Federal republic (1776-date) |
| Type | Non-circulating coin |
| Year | 1893 |
| Value | ¼ Dollar = 25 Cents (¼ USD) |
| Currency | Dollar (1785-date) |
| Composition | Silver (.900) |
| Weight | 6.25 g |
| Diameter | 24.3 mm |
| Thickness | 1.75 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#6695 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 51% |
Reverse
The reverse design represents women’s industry with a depiction of a female holding a distaff and spindle.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
BOARD OF LADY MANAGERS
COLUMBIAN QUAR.DOL.
Engraver: Charles Edward Barber
Edge
Reeded
Comment
The 1893 Isabella Quarter holds an important place among early commemorative coins of the United States. It represents the first legal tender U.S. coin to depict an actual woman, as opposed to the allegorical Liberty. Additionally, it was the first to depict a foreign monarch and the first and only commemorative quarter dollar.The coins were created at the suggestion of the Board of Lady Managers for the World’s Columbian Exposition. At the time, the Columbian Half Dollar had already been authorized, produced, and was still being sold to the public as a souvenir coin for the exposition. The authorized production for the quarters was a relatively low 40,000 pieces with identical specifications to circulating quarters.
The 1893 Isabella Quarters were sold for $1 each in the Women’s Building. Compared to the Columbian Half Dollars, which were also sold for $1, the quarter dollars presented a worse value. Correspondingly, sales were much lower with a portion of the mintage returned to the Mint for melting. The final mintage for the coins after subtracting those melted was a low 24,214.
Interesting fact
The Isabella Quarter, also known as the Columbian Exposition Quarter, was the first commemorative coin issued by the United States. It was minted in 1893 to honor the World's Columbian Exposition, held in Chicago that year. The coin features a portrait of Queen Isabella I of Spain on the obverse and a depiction of Christopher Columbus on the reverse. It was designed by Charles E. Barber, who was the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint at the time. The coin was produced in limited quantities and was not meant for circulation, but rather as a collectible item for coin collectors and enthusiasts.
Price
| Date | Mintage | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1893 | 24214 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for ¼ Dollar "Isabella Quarter" (Columbian Exposition Commemorative) 1893 coin.
