US Commemorative Half Dollar 1925 Stone Mountain BU

The 1925 Stone Mountain Commemorative Half Dollar encapsulates a unique moment in American history, serving as a tribute to the soldiers of the Confederacy during the Civil War while also contributing to the funding of the Stone Mountain Memorial in Georgia. This coin is a poignant artifact of its time, offering insights into the cultural and historical narratives of the early 20th century. Minted with the dual purpose of honoring the past and supporting the creation of a monumental bas-relief sculpture, the Stone Mountain half dollar holds a special place in the pantheon of United States commemorative coinage.

Designed by the renowned sculptor Gutzon Borglum, who was also originally involved with the Stone Mountain Memorial project before his work on Mount Rushmore, the coin features striking imagery. The obverse portrays the conjoined busts of Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson, a design choice that reflects the commemorative intent of the coin to honor the leadership and valor of the South during the Civil War. The reverse side displays an eagle perched majestically on a rock, symbolizing strength and freedom, framed by the inscriptions “Liberty” and “In God We Trust.” This careful balance of imagery and symbolism speaks to the complex narrative the coin was intended to convey, celebrating heritage and bravery in the face of conflict.

The 1925 Stone Mountain Commemorative Half Dollar was minted by the United States Mint, and its production was aimed at generating funds for the completion of the Stone Mountain Memorial. This ambitious project sought to create a lasting monument to the Confederate leaders, resulting in the world's largest bas-relief sculpture on the mountain's northern face. The coin played a significant role in this fundraising effort, with its sale to the public directly supporting the memorial's construction. Despite the large number of coins minted, the Stone Mountain half dollar's historical significance and the monumental project it supported have made it a coveted item among numismatic collectors and history enthusiasts alike.

An interesting fact about Stone Mountain is its standing as the largest bas-relief sculpture in the world, featuring the likenesses of Confederate leaders Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, and Jefferson Davis. This immense work of art, carved into the granite face of the mountain, stands as a testament to the skill of its creators and the complex layers of history and memory in the United States. The Stone Mountain Memorial has become a focal point for discussions on how history is commemorated and interpreted, making the half dollar even more significant as a piece of this narrative.

The condition of a commemorative coin significantly influences its value and appeal to collectors, and the 1925 Stone Mountain Commemorative Half Dollar in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition is particularly desirable. Coins in BU condition show no signs of wear and retain all of their original mint luster, making them exceptional pieces for collectors seeking the highest quality. A Stone Mountain half dollar in such pristine condition offers a direct link to the past, allowing collectors to own a piece of history that looks much as it did when first minted nearly a century ago.

In conclusion, the 1925 Stone Mountain Commemorative Half Dollar in Brilliant Uncirculated condition is not merely a collectible item; it is a historical artifact that bridges the past and present. Its design, purpose, and the monumental project it helped fund are interwoven with the broader tapestry of American history. Collectors and historians value the coin not only for its aesthetic and numismatic merits but also for the complex narrative it represents, encapsulating a moment in time that continues to resonate in America's collective memory.

• Denomination: N/A
• Year: 1925
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