1925 Stone Mountain Half Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$37,375 MS65 01-19-2005 Stack's

Description

The 1925 Stone Mountain Half Dollar was designed by Gutzon Borglum — the same sculptor who later carved Mount Rushmore — and features Generals Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson on horseback on the obverse. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 12.5 grams with a 30.6 mm diameter and reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #9378. With 1,314,709 coins distributed, the Stone Mountain carries the second-highest mintage of any classic-era commemorative (1892–1954), trailing only the 1893 Columbian half dollar. The issue was heavily promoted by the Stone Mountain Confederate Monumental Association through various marketing campaigns, with an original issue price of $1 per coin. As a result of its high mintage, the Stone Mountain is among the more readily available classic commemoratives. Unlike most post-1933 issues, surviving examples can be found in circulated grades, though the majority are mint state, including a fair number of gems. Surfaces are usually relatively mark-free, but toning, eye appeal, and luster vary widely across the surviving population. When luster is strong, it tends to be of the frosty variety. A distinctive feature of some Stone Mountain half dollars is the presence of counterstamps bearing state abbreviations, serial numbers, and the letters "G.L." or "S.L." (for example, "AR 18 SL"). Each town with a sales quota was designated as a "unit" and entitled to at least one coin stamped with its state initials and a serial number. These numbered coins were distributed through each state's governor and allocated to unit towns by a public drawing. The "G.L." and "S.L." designations stood for Gold Lavalier and Silver Lavalier — special coins awarded to young women who sold the most Stone Mountain half dollars in their county.