The 1925-S California Diamond Jubilee Half Dollar is a special silver coin issued during the United States’ classic commemorative period from 1892 to 1954. This half-dollar celebrates California’s 75th year as a state and highlights its rich history, especially the famous Gold Rush, along with the state’s official animal, the California grizzly bear.
Despite being nearly a century old, this coin is still popular among collectors and remains relatively affordable.
A Coin Honoring California’s History
In 1848, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the Mexican War, making California part of the United States. The discovery of gold that same year drew global attention, with thousands of people heading to California in search of fortune.
This “Gold Rush” brought such a massive influx of people that California quickly became a state in 1850, and by 1860, its population had grown to nearly 380,000, making it one of the fastest-growing regions in the U.S.
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The Idea Behind the Coin
Seventy-five years after California became a state, the San Francisco Citizen’s Committee, led by Angelo J. Rossi (who later became the city’s mayor), decided to mark the occasion with a commemorative half-dollar coin.
This coin was part of the Act of February 24, 1925, which also authorized coins for the Vermont Sesquicentennial and the 100th anniversary of Fort Vancouver.The committee selected Jo Mora, a talented local artist and sculptor, to design the coin.
Born in Uruguay in 1876, Mora moved to California and became well-known for his unique artistic style. For the half-dollar, he crafted a design representing California’s essence during the 1850s, featuring two important symbols: a gold prospector and a grizzly bear.
Designing the Coin
The design of the 1925-S California Diamond Jubilee Half Dollar is simple yet symbolic. On the obverse (front), a gold prospector kneels, holding a pan as he searches for gold. The words “California’s Diamond Jubilee” and the year “1925” are inscribed on the bottom. Above the prospector, the phrase “In God We Trust” is proudly displayed.
The reverse side of the coin features a California grizzly bear, the state’s symbol. The bear walks forward confidently, with the words “United States of America” and “Half Dollar” placed below the design. Jo Mora’s artistic interpretation of these symbols reflects California’s rich history, from the Gold Rush to its wild, untamed natural beauty.
Although the Commission of Fine Arts initially criticized Mora’s design as too “amateurish,” the San Francisco Citizen’s Committee stood by their choice, and the coin was minted as planned.
Mintage and Distribution
Although the legislation allowed for a maximum of 300,000 coins to be minted, only 150,200 were actually produced, with 200 reserved for testing. The coins were struck at the San Francisco Mint starting on August 12, 1925. On the first day of production, 100 special coins were struck with polished dies, giving them a unique, shiny surface.
These pieces, while not true proofs, are still highly sought after by collectors today.Initially sold for $1 each, the California half-dollars were distributed in Los Angeles and San Francisco. However, over 63,000 coins remained unsold and were melted down, leaving a net mintage of 86,394 coins available for collectors.
Collecting the 1925-S California Half Dollar
Collectors today prize the 1925-S California Diamond Jubilee Half Dollar for its historical significance and beautiful design. While many of these coins were used as pocket pieces or improperly cleaned, higher-grade examples in mint condition are still available.
Prices for these coins range from $200 for low-grade uncirculated pieces to $600 or more for coins in Gem MS65 condition. At the top end, coins graded MS68 or MS68+ can fetch $20,000 or more at auction.The record price for this coin was set in September 2022 when an MS68 example sold for $30,375 at auction.
The high value of these coins in such grades is due to their rarity, with only a few pieces ever reaching such a high state of preservation.
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Conclusion
The 1925-S California Diamond Jubilee Half Dollar is a remarkable piece of American history. It not only celebrates California’s rich Gold Rush heritage but also stands as a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of early 20th-century American coinage.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the hobby, this coin is a valuable and interesting addition to any collection.