The Humming Bird. 31 



bestir themselves, or they will be too late. The desire for 

 one of these mementos of the Exposition seems to be almost 

 as universal as is the interest in the Exposition itself, and 

 orders for them have been sent in from all parts of the United 

 States, and also from foreign countries. 



This souvenir half dollar, it is reported from Washington, 

 •will be the most artistic coin ever issued from the mint. On 

 the obverse side will appear the head of Columbus, designed 

 from the Lotto portrait, and surrounding it the words, 

 ''World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago, 1893." On the 

 reverse side will appear a caravel, representing Columbus' 

 flagship, and beneath it two hemispheres. Above the caravel 

 will be " United States of America," and beneath the hemis- 

 pheres, '' Columbian Half Dollar." There is no doubt that 

 this coin will be regarded as the most distinctive and highest 

 prized cheap souvenir of the World's Fair. 



All of these souvenir coins, except five, are being sold at a 

 uniform price of one dollar each. For the first coin struck off 

 §10,000 has already been offered, and various prices have 

 been bid for the 400th, 1,492nd, 1,892nd, and the last coin. 

 Desiring that these souvenirs be distributed as widely as 

 possible among the people, and that all, irrespective of locality, 

 have an equal chance to obtain them, the Exposition authori- 

 ties have sought to prevent syndicates and others from 

 purchasing large quantities, and thus "cornering" the sale. 

 On the contrary, they have arranged to supply banks, business 

 houses, and individuals in all parts of the country, with as 

 many as they may desire to distribute among their patrons, 

 customers, or friends. They require only that the orders 

 must be for fifty coins, or some multible of fifty, and that the 

 order be accompanied by the cash, at the rate of one dollar 

 for each coin. A great many banks and business firms have 

 gladly complied with these conditions, and ordered each from 

 50 to 20,000 of the coins. 



Notwithstanding these conditions have been widely pub- 

 lished, still a vast number of inquiries by letter have been 

 received at Exposition headquarters asking how the coins 

 may be obtained. The best way is to get them through local 

 banks, all of which are no doubt willing to accommodate in 

 that way their patrons, and the residents of the city or town 

 in which they are doing business. If, however, for any 

 reason it is desired to obtain them otherwise, the proper 

 method is to form a club of subscribers for fifty coins, or 



