Cool "Opium" Half Dollar Commemorative Coin

This U.S. 1892 World's Columbian Exposition Half Dollar is in great condition. Normally these "Opium" coins are very worn or have lots of damage/scratches/dents.

These are called "Box" or "Opium" coins as some of these were hollowed out to hide opium powder, snuff, or other illegal substance. Then again some were altered to house photos; some may have been both. (And the hinge actually works!)

This is a neat addition to my rather peculiar collection of Mint errors and coin art.

 

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Cool.

I wonder if my 1893 Columbian Expo opens up!

 

I hope so

 

That's cool! What does the edge look like?

 

She's Purrrdy!!

 

So the hinge is inset into the coin?

 

I love it. Please show the edge and hinge area. I can't see a thing on the coin when it is closed and I'm trying to imagine how the artist managed that hinge.

 

Will do on Monday

 

I'm curious what the weight is. I suspect a bit lighter.

 

wow now everyone pops up with my dream coin lol great job on finding that.

 

I hear ya! One of these are on my list also.

 

Weight will be low. My Morgan is 19.41 grams vs 26.73 original