The 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition provided the launching pad for the classic commemorative series by inspiring the first issues and offering a major venue for sales of the two-year Columbian half dollars and the series’ only 25-cent coin, the Isabella quarter.
Women’s issues were a major cause at the time. Susan B. Anthony lobbied for the appropriation of funds for a women’s building and the Isabella quarter was sold exclusively at that location during the fair, supervised by the Board of Lady Managers.
Approximately 40,000 coins were authorized and minted, but slow sales required the return of some 15,000 pieces for melting. Despite a relatively high survival number (compared to other classic commemoratives), the Isabella is difficult to locate in higher grades. It is often seen circulated and is one of the more “cleaned” coins in the series.
Isabella quarters are often blast white, but we are pleased to offer a beautifully-toned example in lot 93766 of our December 4 CCO Auction of U.S. Coins. Graded PCGS-66, it offers an excellent entry point for the 44-piece classic subset, and is a fine example for the general commemorative collector.
