@wa-id-surveyor 54-1227 used to require #4 by 24 or #5 by 30 depending on the corner. They reduced the minimum length to 24 several years ago. That makes the 5/8 versus 1/2 inch a bit less meaningful.
In Georgia, the only time the law allows for removal/replacement of a corner monument is under the direct supervision of a PLS and with the consent of all property owners involved. There are seven or eight corners to my property and I am in the process of rehabilitating all of them (a couple a year). I'm placing more substantial monuments leaving the half inch conduits, etc. at the bottom of the new monument. The new monuments are set in concrete. Each is different and fully described as to what it is and what it is replacing. One is a 2" diameter threaded rod with nut welded on, one an octagonal rifle barrel, etc.?ÿ The end result will be a plat that includes a full description of each found monument also describing what was set in its place.
Me. "What's the difference?"
T.C. Carroll "It's the difference between right and wrong!"