Do you collect other Columbian Expo items to go with your halves? I have this item, a "Manhattan Day" ticket to the Expo that was in a stamp hoard I recently aquired. Thought it was interesting, and I have never had anything like it. And I just recently turned down a Columbian half too...
My 93 Columbian is one of my favorite coins, as it's been passed down in my family since being acquired at the expo. I've specifically looked for other expo items to go with it and someday create a display with them all. I don't have any of the expo admissions tickets yet, but those are definitely something I'd like. The only thing I've got so far, which was acquired with the coin but is in far worse condition, is a red accordian-fold map book, similar to the one pictured. Wish mine was in this condition!
Yes, I put together a framed display with two of the halves, a cancelled stamp, a postcard with a message from a visitor to the Exposition and a ticket. Of all the stuff I have, this display is probably what non-coin people find most interesting. People like to read the handwritten message on the postcard. For those that don't know the Columbian Exposition in Chicago was the popular launch of the U. S. commemorative coin program (1849 Cal coin not really popular), the commemorative stamp program, a postcards with artwork depicting buildings.
