Commems Collection: 1925 Stone Mountain Memorial - Warren Gamaliel Harding Memorial

I've written before about how the Act that authorized the 1925 Stone Mountain Memorial Half Dollar included language that not only referred to its intended commemoration of the start of the Stone Mountain Memorial carving, but also about the coin being struck "in memory of Warren G. Harding, President of the United States of America, in whose administration the work was begun." (Public Law 68-46) (See the link below.)

Though early models of the half dollar's reverse included the inscription "AND IN MEMORY OF WARREN G HARDING" following "COMMEMORATING THE VALOR OF THE SOLDIER OF THE SOUTH / STONE MOUNTAIN GEORGIA", the inscription was eventually removed and the coin was struck without any reference to President Harding - counter to the coin's enabling Act.


1925 Stone Mountain Memorial Half Dollar



Harding died on August 2, 1923 while on West Coast trip; he died in San Francisco. Though several scandals related to his death were circulated at the time (including death by poisoning), and an initial diagnosis of stroke was announced, today, it is generally believed that Harding died as a result of having a heart attack (he was known to have had an enlarged and weakened heart).

Harding was not forgotten from a numismatic standpoint, however, as the Mint engraved and struck the Harding medal for its "US Presidents Series" in 1924. The Mint referred to the piece as a "Memorial Medal" as it featured Harding's inauguration date and his date of death. The medal was the work of George T. Morgan.

The obverse presents a left-facing portrait of the late President, with "WARREN G." at the rim to the left, and "HARDING" at the rim to the right (all references, viewer's perspective).

The medal's reverse makes wonderful use of allegory. At the design's left is depicted a column (symbolizing strength) and a female figure, wearing a veil, in mourning (she represents the mourning experienced by the people of the United States after the popular Harding's death). In her outstretched right hand, she holds a laurel branch (symbolic of Harding's success and prominent stature). The design also includes a wreath with a palm branch extending through it - the elements are symbolic of peace, victory and eternal life (Harding's memory will live on).

1924 Warren G. Harding Presidential/Memorial Medal



For more on the intended connection of Warren G. Harding to the 1925 Stone Mountain Memorial Half Dollar, check out:

- 1925 Stone Mountain Memorial Half Dollar - President Harding Removed

For other of my posts on the Stone Mountain coin, see: Commems Collection