Commems Collection Classic: 1925 California Statehood Diamond Jubilee

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Author	Replies: 6 / Views: 2,681
commems CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives United States 12252 Posts	Posted 04/25/2012 10:52 pm Up for discussion tonight is the half-dollar issued to commemorate the 75th anniversary of California's admission to the Union as our 31st state. The coin is represented by an example in PCGS MS-66. The California Diamond Jubilee was celebrated in San Francisco from 5 to 12 September 1925. While preparing for the Jubilee, the California Diamond Jubilee Committee set aside funds to prepare and publish a history of the celebrations. Fortunately for me, the volume includes a nice discussion of the commemorative half-dollar including a review of how the coin came to be, the story of its design and its distribution. So, rather than write my own version of the history behind the coin, I will refer the reader to the pages presented below. Read More: Commems Collection I will only add to the story the fact that the coin's initial design sketches did move through the review and approval process as smoothly as is indicated by the Committee. Joseph Mora's initial sketches did not impress James Earle Fraser and, therefore, the Fine Arts Commission. In addition to suggested design changes, Fraser also recommended a more accomplished medalist be engaged to create the final models for the coin. The Committee chose to ignore the suggestions/recommendations and eventually won the battle. They got their coin, their way! The coin shown is a brilliant example with original lustrous surfaces and some peripheral toning. While the vast majority of my coins are "white", there were times while I was building my collection that I came across a partially toned coin that simply had a wonderful original look and so it became part of my collection. (I have a very nice York coming up!) This California is one of those coins. The coin takes a noticeable price jump starting at MS-65, but very nice MS-64 coins can be found with diligent searching. The coin I had before the one shown was a very choice MS-64 that I purchased at a fraction of the price of the present coin. Enjoy! 1925 California Diamond Jubilee -- Obverse 1925 California Diamond Jubilee -- Reverse California Diamond Jubilee Official History -- Title Page California Diamond Jubilee Official History -- Coin Page 1 California Diamond Jubilee Official History -- Coin Page 2 Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved. Report this Post to the Staff

TreeMonkey Valued Member United States 210 Posts	Posted 04/25/2012 11:42 pm Sweet! Much nicer than my ms64 example and a real gem. I wish your photos were larger for my old, tired eyes (although the 100 kb limitation can be a challenge). Even though I don't always comment, I'm lurking anding over every post you make. Your collection is amazing and I appreciate you sharing your coins, related material, vast knowledge and time. I must say, so far, my most favorite commemorative of all is your Connecticut. Report this Post to the Staff
CoinsKelly Pillar of the Community United States 3453 Posts	Posted 04/25/2012 11:45 pm I am lurking as well, beautiful coins! I really appreciate the information you are passing on as well. Report this Post to the Staff
jbuck Moderator United States 187600 Posts	Posted 04/26/2012 11:21 am Very nice! My wife is from California, so this one is also a candidate for the 7070. Coin Collector Since 1978 Avatar Old Avatar 7070 Eisenhower Australia Canada World CCF Members on eBay CCF eBay Search Engine Report this Post to the Staff
wquinn Pillar of the Community United States 2295 Posts	Posted 04/26/2012 12:04 pm Awesome! Report this Post to the Staff
nickelsearcher Moderator United States 15388 Posts	Posted 04/26/2012 5:10 pm I'm pleased that the San Francisco Citizens Committee chose to thumb their noses at James Earl Fraser negative review back in the day and stick with Carmel, CA sculptor Jo Mora design ... today we have a coin that is widely accepted as an exceptional work of numismatic art. I personally find the design very attractive ... the elegant motifs are appealing in a minimalistic way to my eye. Net mintage of this coin is reported at 86,594 examples ... of which PCGS has certified 296 in MS66 and a minuscule 103 in higher technical grade. Price follows that availability curve ... and as Commems has wisely suggested MS64 examples can be had at a fraction of the price of this MS66 example. Personally ... I find the rim toning to be a bit of a distraction to my eye ... although that is a quibble on an otherwise fabulous surviving example of a lovely classic silver commemorative. Thanks for sharing. David Take a look at my other hobby ... http://www.jk-dk.art Report this Post to the Staff
D0ubl3Eagle Pillar of the Community United States 5854 Posts	Posted 04/26/2012 6:41 pm Amazing coin! Report this Post to the Staff
	Replies: 6 / Views: 2,681

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