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 Replies: 13 / Views: 3,641 |
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Moderator
 United States
15392 Posts |
This Classic US Silver Commemorative is turning out to be quite common in well-circulated condition ...... I suppose the distribution of 1,314,709 (all time high for the Classic series) coupled with the onset of the USA great depression forced many of these into circulation service. Anyways ..... I have purchased three worn examples so far ..... the first two were so far gone that I set them aside as Basal-State coins ..... worn away to the point of being almost non-identifiable. This lovely 1925 Stone Mountain fits my collecting needs ..... honest wear and I can still tell what it is.    Think of the stories that coin might tell ...... amazing. I am having a blast with these worn Classics ..... more photos to come later of the rest of my recent acquisitions. Let me know what you think of this coin. David |
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Moderator
United States
187702 Posts |
It may have been a pocket piece as well. Regardless, it is a beautiful example with a story to tell!  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1490 Posts |
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Valued Member
United States
335 Posts |
I like the circulated commemoratives you've been showing us.
The Stone Mountain half is a nice-looking coin, but I've never understood why the U.S. government issued a coin celebrating traitors. Bizarre.
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Valued Member
United States
285 Posts |
Very cool! Are you filling up a Dansco album with these?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1055 Posts |
Quote:
The Stone Mountain half is a nice-looking coin, but I've never understood why the U.S. government issued a coin celebrating traitors. Bizarre. The coin is celebrating a memorial (Stone Mountain, GA) of the valor of the soldiers who fought for the south, as stated on the reverse. They were Americans who stood up and were willing to fight for what they believe in, albeit for something that was wrong and we recognize it as such today. The fact that the soldiers of the south fought for slavery makes them no less of an American than anyone before or since and I feel a Commemorative coin is appropriate. The original proceeds from the sales of the coin helped to pay for the sculpting of the rock at Stone Mountain, which was not started until years after the coin was produced. Nickelsearcher- are you planning to make two sets of commemorative? One high grade and one low grade? I just ask cause I have seen you post several different high grade examples along with your well worns. I think it would be quite a task to find a worn example of each type. For example, I think one would be hard pressed to find a VG/G Texas Centennial. |
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Valued Member
United States
335 Posts |
Confederate soldiers fought a war against the United States, and the United States honored them with a commemorative coin. That's what strikes me as odd.
I can't imagine the British issuing a coin celebrating the American soldiers from the Revolutionary War, for example.
I don't think we're likely to agree on this, though, so I'll just let it go at that.
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Moderator
 United States
15392 Posts |
AndrewC ..... I would appreciate you doing as you say and 'let it go at that'  . This is a thread on a USA coin and not USA politics. Quote:
are you planning to make two sets of commemorative? One high grade and one low grade? I just ask cause I have seen you post several different high grade examples along with your well worns. I think it would be quite a task to find a worn example of each type. For example, I think one would be hard pressed to find a VG/G Texas Centennial. I would truly enjoy doing that ..... and to some extent am trying to achieve that goal ..... but the ultimate goal of a combined MS and Worn 50 coin type set is not possible IMHO. The MS set can be had for sure with enough $$$$ ...... I now have 27 of 50 and will keep chipping away at the challenge of well-struck no toned coins MS coins. Alas ...... the stumbling block is the circulated examples .... many of these have never seen circulation in any great number .....and perhaps some of the issues are not even available below say XF ...... soooo ..... I am just enjoying the chase of these worn examples and will see where it leads me ..... Have a few more to post when life slows down. David Edited by nickelsearcher
06/15/2010 8:36 pm
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Valued Member
United States
103 Posts |
David, Another 'fun' coin, although I'd like to see your Fr-1 basal state examples, and your diagnostics that make you recognize them as Stone Mountain halves! As for the political discussion, I am sorry, but I have to add my .02! I am reminded of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, which spoke of all of the dead as Americans on that horrific day, not just the Northern soldiers buried in the cemetery. According to him, even though they fought against Union troops, in his mind they never stopped being Americans, and is chiefly why the War Between the States was so heartbreaking for him as chief executive. Even as early as 1863, Lincoln was already advocating a spirit of tolerance and reconciliation, the rebels weren't seen as the "enemy" but merely misguided children. Can you imagine that happening in today's unfriendly and competitive climate? This is why he was such a fabulous chief executive, so omniscient yet utterly humble. After he was assassinated, there was definitely a Jesus-cult attached to his name and image for years afterward. From 1900-1960 there was a general spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness between the two sides, when most of the veterans of the Civil War were still alive and could talk about their experiences with authority. Thus the great carving project in Georgia of the vanquished heroes was able to happen via coins minted to jump start the project, which didn't complete for another 45 years. There is romance and sadness on this coin, and would have been my choice for the Georgia State Quarter back in 1999. Jackson and Lee may have fought on the wrong side, but as cownas22 said, they fought for what they believed in, which has historically been the chief characteristic of Americans: standing up for what one believes in, unfettered by any kind of constraint, even if it is proven wrong later. I find it ironic that AndrewC may collect U.S. coins, yet on each and every Federal issue since the first Chain Large Cent, (except on the 2c, the trime, and most notably on his choice of avatar, the Shield nickel,) is the single word "Liberty," which perhaps explains why this concept escapes him? As numismatists, we cannot forget that these are not merely decorative letters on a coin, but a real live concept that is tested in this country time and again every day by regular coffee-drinking Americans. Every time someone spends a U.S. coin or receive coins in change, they should be reminded of these basic concepts: "Liberty," "E Pluribus Unum," and "In God We Trust." Liberty and freedom are what makes this country so great. OK, getting off my soapbox now and ending the Civics 101 lesson! Thanks for sharing! Regards, Warren Edited by zazenboy
07/11/2010 02:28 am
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21786 Posts |
I am an Aussie, and I have quite a few nice U.S. coins, including a couple of Stone Mountains. My question: Why is it that these coins are more often found in worn condition than other commemoratives?
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Moderator
United States
15392 Posts |
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Why is it that these coins are more often found in worn condition than other commemoratives? Reasonable question for which I do not have a definitive answer ...... however ..... I did provide a speculation at the beginning of my original post .... Quote:
This Classic US Silver Commemorative is turning out to be quite common in well-circulated condition ...... I suppose the distribution of 1,314,709 (all time high for the Classic series) coupled with the onset of the USA great depression forced many of these into circulation service.
Anyone else with an idea? David Take a look at my other hobby ... http://www.jk-dk.art |
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Valued Member
United States
407 Posts |
Just a quickie on this part; Quote:
Confederate soldiers fought a war against the United States, and the United States honored them with a commemorative coin. That's what strikes me as odd.
I can't imagine the British issuing a coin celebrating the American soldiers from the Revolutionary War, for example.
And you never would see such a thing, for two reasons (in reverse order): 1. The Americans won. 2. That is what sets Americans apart. Although a vicious and costly war was waged (as I remember the numbers, 1/10 of the population of The United States was lost. Now translate that into todays population!), these were Americans. As much strife as we have seen amongst Americans, there continues to emerge an overriding sense of community, a kinship born of a common heritage. The first word that came to mind was "brotherhood", and while looking at synonyms of brotherhood I find "confederacy". Enough of that. Regarding the number of early commems in circulated condition, I believe economics (the Depression being referenced) is a fair analysis. Many years ago a fifty cent coin held a much greater value than it did in later years, or today. Although issued as commemoratives, they had a face value and could be spent for that value. And their issue price was commensurate with that value. Not so today. Commemoratives today have a very different intention than they did 60 to 100 years ago (although they have a face value and can be spent for that value). They were intended to be used in commerce, whereas today they are not, barring our recently issued "circulating commemoratives". Today there is a substantial amount of face value that sits in albums upon shelves. I would hesitate to tally the face value of my collection. I did it once with just my paper currency, and it staggered me. And the last time I looked, my last name ain't Rockefeller! Steve |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
625 Posts |
Surprisingly, I found one of these last Friday searching half dollars. Its one of my favorite commems because Stone Mountain is only a "stones" throw away from where I am. While those in the North may not understand the heritage that is the civil war in the south, it is still an important part to southern history. Every small town has a statue or plaque dedicated to those lost in the war of northern aggression (had to get that in there  ). Even surprised me a few years back that the state of Georgia still observes confederate memorial day as a state holiday. Like the depression after these were minted, times are hard on people these days and these types of coins are making their way back into circulation. Its amazing some of the finds I have seen lately. Edited by AGCoinHunter
07/26/2010 11:53 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
625 Posts |
Lightening stikes twice. I found another Stone Mountain in this weeks halves batch. Second one in three weeks. This one wasnt as nice as the first one but I will take it. Love this coin design.
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Replies: 13 / Views: 3,641 |
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Posted 06/14/2010 4:36 pm
