How to Identify the Grant Memorial Half Dollar

What This Coin Is

The Grant Memorial Half Dollar was struck in 1922 to mark the 100th anniversary of Ulysses S. Grant's birth. It was authorized to help fund a memorial in Grant's hometown of Point Pleasant, Ohio, and it is a single-year issue with no follow-up dates. It is part of the "classic" era of United States commemorative half dollars produced between 1892 and 1954, each tied to a historical figure or event and sold above face value to collectors and fundraising committees.

Obverse Design

The obverse carries a right-facing bust of General (later President) Grant in civilian dress, designed by Laura Gardin Fraser. "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" curves around the top rim, "GRANT" appears in the lower right field, and "LIBERTY" is spaced across the field near his portrait. On a small number of coins, a tiny five-pointed star appears above the word "GRANT" — this is the famous "star variety," discussed below.

Reverse Design

The reverse depicts the log cabin birthplace replica associated with Grant, set within a wooded landscape. Above the cabin reads "IN MEMORY OF GENERAL GRANT," and below it appears "BIRTHPLACE OF GENERAL GRANT" along with the date "1822-1922." The motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" and the denomination "HALF DOLLAR" also appear in the design.

Size, Weight, Metal, and Edge

Like all standard silver half dollars of the era, the Grant Memorial half is struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighs about 12.5 grams, measures roughly 30.6mm in diameter, and has a reeded edge.

Mint Marks and Where to Find Them

All Grant Memorial half dollars were struck at the Philadelphia Mint and carry no mint mark. There is no need to search for a mint mark letter on this issue — its identification hinges instead on the presence or absence of the small incused star.

The Star Variety vs. No-Star

This coin's most important identification point is the star above "GRANT" on the obverse. Coins without the star are far more common; those with the tiny star are a distinct, much scarcer variety that collectors value significantly higher. Examine the field directly above the "GRANT" inscription with a loupe — the star is small and can be mistaken for a die scratch or overlooked entirely on a worn coin, so careful magnification matters.

Telling It Apart from Similar Coins

Because the Grant half has a unique portrait and log cabin reverse, it is not easily confused with other commemoratives. The main confusion risk is internal: mistaking a no-star coin for a star coin, or vice versa, due to wear, toning, or a poor photograph. Always verify the star under strong light and magnification before drawing conclusions.

Judging Condition at a Glance

Check the high points first: Grant's cheek, hair, and the ridge of his coat lapel on the obverse, and the roofline and tree foliage on the reverse. Sharp, unbroken details in these areas suggest higher grades, while flattening or blending of design elements indicates circulation wear. Original mint luster in the protected areas near the lettering is a good sign of a lightly handled coin.

Authenticity Red Flags

Because the star variety carries a premium, watch for tooling or added marks meant to fake a star, which typically look sharper, shallower, or oddly shaped compared to a genuine die-struck star. Also inspect for softened, mushy details overall (a sign of a cast counterfeit), incorrect weight or diameter, and edges that lack crisp, evenly spaced reeding.