Stone mountain half dollar

The same way they grade anything else just moving those standards over to the different designs

 

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Well this one is proving to be a head scratcher. I purchased two from photos that were both graded MS64. But on examination I would rate one an AU58 and the other an AU53. They are both circulated, so I am going to challenge them and try to figure out what is what.

 

Pics of the two?

 

I will go back and get them but I don't think the wear shows up well. But both coins are dirty, not toned, just dirty. And both show wear. This is an unusual coin because of the design and I am not sure there were any "crisp" coins minted. Old Gutzon was a great sculptor, but maybe not a good coin designer. There seem to me to be too many high points that wear away quickly.

I did get an MS65+ today and the detail is much better, but affirms that the design was never intended to be detailed. If you want a challenge try to find the 35 stars on the reverse. It took me six coins to find them all because some are missing or obscured on every coin

 

Here are the two coins

Both graded MS64 by PCGS who I can generally rely on. I might not always agree, but not off by this many grades.

 

First one looks fine as a 64. Second one I’d wanna see but it’s definitely higher than your grade of a 53

 

What isn't apparent from these pix is abrasions and on the second one issues that would be well beyond something like bag damage

By the way, are there commemorative specialists on these postings?

 

Mystery of the 35 vs 36 stars solved, I think! The original coin design was done by Gutzon Borglum and then modified. It was not done by the Mint and perhaps the significance of the 36 stars was overlooked, or maybe the thirty sixth is hiding in there some place and we just cannot find it. But here is the model developed by Borglum and guess what, 36 stars.

 

I agree with @baseball21 - the 1st I see no issues calling a 64 (although I think NGC might hit it at 63). The 2nd looks to me to be a 62, but it's hard to tell if it has good luster from the photos.

 

Neither has good luster and actually photographed better than they looked in person. I attribute a little of the "luster" to reflection on the holder. But I am accustomed to dealing with Morgans and these are an animal of a different sort. But I am digging in and will get there quickly.

 

Hello
Are there records of stamp rotation at Stone Mountain? I received one today, with 15-20% rotation. Does it happen before or rarely? Thank you

 

Well I looked at one on eBay last night that had about the same degree of rotation, but I am new at this and assume there could be examples of greater offset

 

Never heard of the coin. Why such a big deal. Where is it

 

I love those dad coin stories. They keep me grounded

 

I am working on a study and web site to feature this one coin. But I have to do a lot more research to figure out if it is worth it. I would do something like I did for the 81-O Morgan, but on a much smaller scale. No politics allowed, just numismatics.

I grew up watching them carve it and honestly thought finishing it would never happen. The politicians in Atlanta always promised that completing it was just around the corner, but it finally happened under Carters watch I think. But then the largest relief carving in the world ain't easy.

The Stone Mountain effort will be paled by the Crazy Horse Monument when it is completed, as will all carvings in the world. If they finish it within 100 years it will be a miracle. Korzack's grandchildren are working on it now, and I bet it will go on to his great grandchildren. Started in 1947 and 2047 isn't that far off.

 

Yikes. I'm shocked. I'm Catholic. I want no part of this coin. God forbid. We all should read you link. Glad i had no part in this coins past

 

I remember when I saw them cutting on it, it must have been between 1967 and 1972. Lester Maddox was Gov during part of that.

 

I for one would very much like to read your study. Never knew this history. Damn

 

Dang...this got me into looking for a nice one again...drat you CoinTalk!!!

 

This is coming from an ancient collector who just happens to like the Stone Mountain coin.
You can't believe everything you read. Sure there is a lot of truth in the article the coin its self goes much deeper.
I collect mostly because of my love for history.
I myself would like to read @HawkeEye 's paper when its complete, so please post a link or send it in a PM when its done.