The 1925 Stone Mountain Memorial Half Dollar holds a unique place in American numismatic history. Issued as a commemorative coin, its primary purpose was to raise vital funds for the ambitious Stone Mountain Memorial in Georgia. This memorial was intended to honor Confederate generals Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson, depicting them on horseback. The design of these coins was entrusted to Gutzon Borglum, a sculptor who would later gain widespread fame for his work on Mount Rushmore.
While a maximum authorization of 5 million coins was granted, only 1,314,709 were actually sold to the public. The remaining unsold coins were subsequently melted down. This limited distribution contributes to the current market dynamics for the 1925 Stone Mountain coin value.
Understanding the 1925 Stone Mountain Memorial Half Dollar
The 1925 Stone Mountain Memorial Half Dollar is a significant piece for collectors due to its historical context and artistic merit. Its connection to a major memorial project and its designer, Gutzon Borglum, adds to its appeal. The coin’s design features the equestrian figures of Lee and Jackson on one side, with an eagle on the reverse. Understanding these details is key to appreciating the overall stone mountain coin 1925 value.
Key Characteristics of the 1925 Stone Mountain Half Dollar
- Denomination: Half Dollar (50 cents)
- Year of Issue: 1925
- Purpose: To fund the Stone Mountain Memorial
- Designers: Gutzon Borglum
- Mintage: 1,314,709 (sold)
- Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
- Weight: 12.5 grams
- Diameter: 30.6 mm
Factors Influencing 1925 Stone Mountain Coin Value
The value of a 1925 Stone Mountain Memorial Half Dollar is not static; it varies considerably based on several critical factors. The most significant of these are the coin’s condition, as determined by professional grading, and the presence of unique characteristics such as counterstamping. The stone mountain coin 1925 value is directly impacted by these elements.
Condition and Grading
The condition of a coin is paramount in determining its numismatic value. Coins are graded on a standardized scale, with higher grades indicating better preservation and less wear. Professional grading services use a 70-point scale, where 70 represents a perfect coin.
Uncirculated Coins (Mint State – MS)
Uncirculated coins, also known as Mint State (MS) coins, show no signs of wear from circulation. Their value depends on the specific MS grade they receive. The higher the MS number, the better the coin’s preservation and the higher its 1925 Stone Mountain coin value.
- MS63: An MS63 graded coin has a value of approximately $90. This grade indicates a coin with minor imperfections, possibly from the minting process or handling.
- MS64: An MS64 graded coin has a value of approximately $140. These coins show fewer imperfections than MS63.
- MS65: An MS65 graded coin has a value of approximately $175. This is often considered the “Gem Uncirculated” standard, indicating strong eye appeal.
- MS66: An MS66 graded coin has a value of approximately $350. These coins are well-struck with minimal flaws.
- MS67: An MS67 graded coin has a value of approximately $850. Coins at this grade are exceptional, with only minor, nearly invisible flaws.
- MS68: An MS68 graded coin is extremely rare and commands a significantly higher value of approximately $15,000. Finding a 1925 Stone Mountain Half Dollar in this superb condition is a rare event.
The overall range for uncirculated 1925 Stone Mountain coin value in Mint State condition can span from $77 to $15,000, reflecting the wide spectrum of preservation within this category.
Circulated Coins
Circulated coins have been used in commerce and exhibit varying degrees of wear. Their value is considerably lower than uncirculated examples, but they still hold numismatic interest. The amount of wear directly correlates with their stone mountain coin 1925 value.
- Very Fine (VF): A coin in Very Fine condition might be worth around $32. These coins show moderate wear on the high points of the design, but major details remain clear.
- Extra Fine (XF): A coin in Extra Fine condition might be worth around $45. These coins exhibit lighter wear than VF examples, with more detail remaining.
Coins in lower circulated grades (e.g., Good, Fine) will have a value closer to their melt value, which is approximately $13.51 as of August 19, 2025. However, the numismatic value of these coins is generally higher than their silver content.
Unique Characteristics: Counterstamped Coins
A fascinating aspect that can significantly enhance the 1925 Stone Mountain coin value is the presence of counterstamps. These are additional marks applied to the coin after it was minted. In the case of the Stone Mountain Half Dollar, some coins were counterstamped with state abbreviations and numbers.
These counterstamps were part of a marketing effort to encourage sales of the coins, often linked to specific state organizations or quotas. They add a layer of historical intrigue and rarity.
- Collectibility and Value: Counterstamped coins are highly sought after by collectors specializing in commemorative issues or specific counterstamp varieties. Their scarcity makes them particularly valuable to the right buyer.
- Example Sale: A counterstamped Florida coin, even in a low G-4 grade (Good), sold for $1,150 in 2019. This demonstrates the premium associated with these unique pieces, even in less desirable conditions.
- Identification: Identifying a genuine counterstamp is crucial. Collectors and experts can differentiate authentic counterstamps from post-mint damage or fraudulent alterations.
The presence and specific type of counterstamp can drastically alter the stone mountain coin 1925 value, often pushing it well beyond that of a standard issue coin of comparable grade.
Determining Your 1925 Stone Mountain Coin Value
Accurately determining the 1925 Stone Mountain coin value requires careful assessment and, in many cases, professional assistance. Relying on reliable sources and expert opinions is key.
Resources for Valuation
Several resources can provide estimated values and information about your 1925 Stone Mountain Half Dollar:
- NGC Price Guide: The NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) Price Guide is a widely respected resource that provides estimated values for coins, particularly in Mint State (MS) condition. It is updated regularly to reflect market trends.
- Greysheet (Coin Dealer Newsletter): The Greysheet is a professional publication that lists wholesale prices for coins in various grades. While primarily used by dealers, it can provide insight into the wholesale stone mountain coin 1925 value.
- Online Auction Records: Reviewing past sales results from reputable auction houses can offer real-world examples of what similar coins have sold for.
Professional Grading Services
For the most accurate and reliable valuation, especially for higher-grade or potentially valuable counterstamped coins, submitting your coin to a professional grading service is highly recommended.
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company): One of the leading third-party coin grading services. They encapsulate coins in tamper-evident holders and assign a precise grade.
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service): Another top-tier grading service, similar to NGC, providing expert authentication and grading.
These services provide an unbiased assessment of your coin’s condition, which is a critical factor in determining its stone mountain coin 1925 value. A professionally graded coin generally sells for a higher price than an ungraded coin of similar condition because buyers have confidence in the authenticity and grade.
Historical Context of the Stone Mountain Memorial
Understanding the historical context of the Stone Mountain Memorial adds another layer of appreciation to the 1925 Stone Mountain Half Dollar.
The Stone Mountain Memorial project was ambitious, aiming to create the world’s largest sculpture. The memorial itself depicted Confederate figures, which today is a subject of considerable historical discussion and debate. The coin was a fundraising tool for this specific project, making it a tangible link to a significant, and sometimes controversial, piece of American history.
The coin’s issuance was part of a broader trend of commemorative coinage in the United States during the early 20th century. These coins often funded public works, historical monuments, or celebrated significant events. The 1925 Stone Mountain coin value is not solely monetary; it also encompasses its historical significance as a relic of its time.
Collecting the 1925 Stone Mountain Half Dollar
Collecting the 1925 Stone Mountain Half Dollar can be a rewarding endeavor. Whether you are interested in a single example for its historical significance or aim to acquire a graded set, there are various approaches.
- Entry-Level Collecting: For those seeking an affordable piece of history, a circulated example in VF or XF condition offers an accessible entry point to the stone mountain coin 1925 value.
- Higher-Grade Collecting: Collectors focused on quality often target coins in the MS63 to MS66 range, which offer an excellent balance of condition and value.
- Specialized Collecting: The pursuit of rare pieces, such as MS67 or MS68 examples, or the highly sought-after counterstamped varieties, represents a more specialized and often more expensive collecting path.
Regardless of your collecting goals, researching the market, understanding grading standards, and consulting with reputable dealers or grading services will assist in making informed decisions regarding the stone mountain coin 1925 value.
Conclusion
The 1925 Stone Mountain Memorial Half Dollar stands as a notable commemorative coin with a rich history and varying market value. From circulated examples worth around $32 to extremely rare high-grade specimens commanding prices up to $15,000, its value is primarily driven by its condition and unique characteristics like counterstamping. The stone mountain coin 1925 value is a blend of its intrinsic silver content, its historical significance as a fundraising tool for the Stone Mountain Memorial, and its appeal to numismatists. Proper identification, assessment of condition, and consultation with professional grading services are essential steps for anyone looking to accurately determine the worth of their 1925 Stone Mountain Half Dollar.
Is the 1925 Stone Mountain half dollar real?
From my experience, The Stone Mountain Memorial half dollar was an American fifty-cent piece struck in 1925 at the Philadelphia Mint.
Are coins from 1925 worth anything?
1925 Peace Dollar Pricing
As stated previously, Peace dollars were only minted for a limited time and in limited quantities. The 1925 edition is sought after by coin collectors due to its historical significance, silver content and design. Because of these factors, the price for this coin regularly exceeds $30.