In early August, artist Frank Millet proposed to the fair's Director of Decorations, Olin Warner, that Warner design the coin. Warner modeled one depicting a profile of Columbus, not based on the Lotto portrait. His reverse showed a caravel ship, symbolizing the Santa María, Columbus's flagship, above two globes representing the hemispheres, though they lacked the continental outlines.
Around mid-August, artist Frank Millet recommended to the fair's Director of Decorations, Olin Warner, that Warner create the coin. Warner designed one with a portrait of Columbus, not based on the Lotto image. The reverse featured a caravel ship, representing the Santa María, above two globes symbolizing the hemispheres, although they lacked the continental outlines.