The 1925 Stone Mountain Memorial half dollar is a commemorative silver coin struck by the United States Mint at the Philadelphia Mint.
Here’s a summary of its key features and historical context:
The coin was issued to raise funds for the Stone Mountain Confederate Memorial near Atlanta, Georgia. It was also intended to commemorate the valor of the Confederate soldiers and honor the recently deceased President Warren G. Harding, under whose administration the memorial work began, [according to Wikipedia].
- Obverse: Depicts equestrian figures of Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson reviewing the Confederate armies.
- Reverse: Features an eagle poised on a mountain crag, surrounded by 35 faint stars and the inscription “MEMORIAL TO THE VALOR OF THE SOLDIER OF THE SOUTH.”
- Designer: Gutzon Borglum, who also designed the Stone Mountain carving and later worked on Mount Rushmore.
- Composition: 90% silver and 10% copper.
- The Stone Mountain Confederate Monumental Association sponsored the sale of the coins to the public.
- 2.3 million coins were initially minted for sale, with an initial price of $1.00 each.
- Sales were extensive, particularly in the South, but were impacted by Borglum’s dismissal from the project in 1925 and allegations of misused funds.
- Counterstamped coins with state abbreviations and other markings were used to further boost sales.
- Ultimately, only 1,314,709 coins were distributed after deducting those melted down.
Compared to other U.S. commemorative coins, the Stone Mountain Memorial half dollar remains relatively inexpensive due to the large quantities distributed. The 2014 edition of A Guide Book of United States Coins lists the piece at $65 in Almost Uncirculated condition (AU-50), with pieces in near-pristine MS-66 valued at $335. However, counterstamped coins can be more valuable, depending on the specific markings and grade. The melt value of the coin as of August 12, 2025, is $13.72.
In summary, the Stone Mountain Memorial half dollar is a historically significant coin that represents a complex intersection of art, history, and commemoration.
How much is a Stone Mountain coin worth?
Great question! According to the NGC Price Guide, the estimated value of a 1925 Stone Mountain Half Dollar in Mint State (MS) is between $77 to $15,000. The 1925 Stone Mountain half dollar was struck to help raise funds for the completion of the massive carving honoring Southern Civil War heroes at Stone Mountain, Georgia.
How many 1925 Stone Mountain coins were minted?
An eagle perched on a mountain precipice with wings outstretched. In the left field appear the words “MEMORIAL TO THE VALOR OF THE SOLDIER OF THE SOUTH.” There are 35 faint stars throughout the field. Popularity: Of the 5,000,000 half dollars authorized, 2,310,000 coins were minted for sale.
Are commemorative coins worth any money?
Good point! Some commemoratives are highly valuable, and as with other coins, their value depends on factors such as the grade, rarity of the issue, and market demand.