1925-s California Old Commem Half Dollar 50c Grades Select+ Unc. The 1925 California Diamond Jubilee Half Dollar is one of the collector favorites amongst early commemorative coins. The issue was authorized to mark the 75th anniversary of California’s statehood and featured imagery recalling the famous gold rush.The obverse the coin features a kneeling figure of a “forty-niner” as he pans for gold. The reverse features an image of a grizzly bear, which comes from the state emblem of California. Both the obverse and reverse of the California Half Dollar were designed by sculptor Joseph Mora.Authorization was provided to strike up to 300,000 coins. Production took place at the San Francisco Mint, where 150,000 coins were produced. Distribution was handled by the San Francisco Citizens’ Committee with an issuance price of $1 per coin, which had become standard for commemorative half dollar issues. Coins which remained unsold were returned to the mint for melting, resulting in a net distribution of 86,594.The High Points of the Coin are the Bear's Shoulder and Leg and the Miner's Back, Shoulder and Shirtsleeve.