1922 Grant Memorial. Star. MS-67 (NGC). The important provenance and exceptional quality of this coin are best described by Anthony J. Swiatek, a letter from whom dated January 19, 2022, accompanies this offering. The text of the letter is as follows:<p><em>"To Whom It May Concern</em><p><em>"According to the late, famous numismatist Mr. Abe Kosoff - who sold me many US Commemorative rarities over the years - this 1922 Grant Star half dollar was the property of Lt. Governor Hugh L. Nichols. He was once the Supreme Court Justice of Ohio, as well as the Chairman of the Grant Memorial Centenary Association!</em><p><em>"Mr. Kosoff informed me of the fact that this Grant Star he purchased was the second piece struck that the Chairman received!</em><p><em>"Needless to exclaim. I levitated numismatically as I purchased the issue for $35,000.00, back in mid 1981. Also acquired at the same time was a 1907 $20 Saint Gaudens trial piece struck in lead for $40,000.00. The Judd 1778b had a small pinhead size hole in the upper obverse field. Sold such to Norman Stack of Stacks Rare Coin Gallery in 1986, for the same $40,000.00, as I needed funds to apply for acquisition of a 5-piece Pan Pac set.</em><p><em>"In November 2021, I purchased this Grant Star half dollar (that I sold back in 1983) from the same buyers family. After examining and examining the coin, I could not believe how fantastic it truly is.</em><p><em>"Remember, almost 40 years have passed since its procurement. Did not fully realize what I held in my hand at the time. Have never seen this outstanding issue with such an amazing strike and appearance.</em><p><em>"Pay attention to the overall reverse intricate striking definitions on the trees, their non-flatness - especially the trunk of the second tree from the left - which always looks flattened! Note the sharpness of the fence, cabin door, its knocker and frame. WOW! Observe the sharpness of strike on Grant and definition over our 18th Presidents ear, etc.</em><p><em>"I have seen every Grant Star half dollar shown on Stacks Bowers and Heritages auction sites - including those labeled Specimen and Proof strikings covering a 20 year period. Ditto at the many coin shows I attended for over 50 years. Check it out. Believe you will agree with my assertion that this is a very special coin!</em><p><em>"Numismatically yours,</em><p><em>"(signature)</em><p><em>"Anthony J. Swiatek"</em><p>To this excellent description we add only that the coin is virtually pristine in preservation with delicate iridescent gold toning on smooth, satiny surfaces. Truly a once in a lifetime bidding opportunity for the advanced commemorative enthusiast.<p><em><strong>The letter from Mr. Swiatek, on Anthony Swiatek Numismatist letterhead, is available to the winning bidder upon request to Stacks Bowers Galleries at the close of the auction</strong></em>. Ex Lieutenant Governor of Ohio Hugh Llewellyn Nichols, per Abe Kosoff.
