GRANT 50C STAR

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Sold on Jan 5, 1996 for:

$31,900.00 Bid Source: Live: Floor bidder

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Description

Extremely Rare Matte Proof Grant With Star Half Dollar--One of Perhaps Only Four Known

1922 Grant With Star PR 64 PCGS. As an issue the Grant With Star is one of the most highly respected and sought after of all commemorative halves. It has been a key issue since the end of the 1920s, and as a proof it is generally unknown to the collecting community. In fact, this is the first proof striking we have handled in our twenty years in the auction business. Of the several books on commemorative halves in our library, the only one that even mentions proof strikings of the Grant half dollar is the Breen-Swiatek reference (page 89). Breen lists four proof strikings, and while we cannot be certain of the provenance of this piece, we would speculate it is the fourth specimen listed, the piece "in a private collection."
The finish on this piece is the sandblast or matte variant of proofing. The fine grain texture gives the coin the same subdued appearance as seen on matte proof nickels struck from 1913 through 1916. Both sides exhibit a steel-gray color with patches of deep blue scattered around the periphery on the reverse. Beyond the sandblast finish, one of the most obvious differences between this coin and the business strikes usually seen, is the lack of die polishing marks in the fields. The fields are flat and unaffected by any attempts by the mint to crudely "improve" the appearance of the dies and the coins subsequently struck from them. Also, the striking details are unusually bold on this piece. Grant's beard, hair, and coat are exceptionally sharp as are the leaves on the reverse. This is the only proof Grant half dollar certified by either of the major services. It has been given the PCGS number 9308, and because it has been recently submitted, to date (10/95) it is unlisted in the Population Report.

Coin Index Numbers: (PCGS# 9308, GSID# 10312)

Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Weight: 12.50 grams
ASW: 0.3617oz

View Certification Details from PCGS