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The Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Silver Medal is a finely crafted 1-ounce .999 fine silver piece issued by the United States Mint to honor the 18th President of the United States. As part of the U.S. Mint’s ongoing Presidential Silver Medal Program, this medal revives the tradition of the Indian Peace Medals originally presented during the 18th and 19th centuries to Native American leaders as tokens of diplomacy and goodwill. The Grant medal reflects both his presidency and his broader historical role as a Civil War general who helped preserve the Union and later led the country through the difficult period of Reconstruction. Struck in high relief with exceptional detail, the medal is a significant collectible for both numismatists and American history enthusiasts.
Ulysses S. Grant served two presidential terms from 1869 to 1877, following his pivotal leadership as General of the Union Army during the Civil War. His presidency was marked by attempts to stabilize the nation after the trauma of war and the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Grant supported the Reconstruction amendments and civil rights legislation, while also grappling with economic upheaval and the challenges of political corruption. The issuing of the Presidential Silver Medal in his honor echoes the Indian Peace Medals historically distributed during his administration and pays tribute to his role in American history as both a wartime leader and a statesman in peacetime.
The obverse of the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Silver Medal features a left-facing portrait of President Grant, rendered in a classical profile. Surrounding the image is the inscription “ULYSSES S. GRANT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES” in capital letters. The portrait is based on historical engravings and closely mirrors the aesthetic found on the original 19th-century Indian Peace Medals. Grant is portrayed with thoughtful determination, wearing a coat and high-collared shirt, conveying a sense of command and dignity. The fine detail in the facial features and hair textures makes the obverse particularly striking in the large 40.6 mm silver format.
The reverse of the medal continues the historic Indian Peace Medal theme used across this series. It depicts a symbolic handshake between a U.S. Army officer and a Native American chief. The officer’s sleeve is adorned with a star-studded cuff, while the Native American’s hand is decorated with a wristband bearing geometric designs. Above their joined hands are a crossed tomahawk and peace pipe—powerful icons of the desire for harmony. The upper rim of the reverse bears the inscription “PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP,” a motto intended to express the diplomatic mission of the medals during the 18th and 19th centuries. The imagery has been faithfully preserved in this modern issue, lending the piece cultural depth and historical continuity.
This medal is struck from one troy ounce of .999 fine silver, giving it both intrinsic value and substantial physical presence. It measures 1.598 inches (40.6 mm) in diameter and is finished in a matte, or “specimen,” style. This distinctive finish—softly frosted throughout—offers a dignified contrast to highly reflective proof coins. It enhances the relief and definition of the portrait and symbolic reverse, making every detail stand out clearly under natural light. The edges of the medal are plain, matching the traditional format used for historic peace medals. Each piece is precision struck at the Philadelphia Mint, although it bears no mintmark.
The Grant Presidential Silver Medal was released by the U.S. Mint without a set mintage limit, but it remains a relatively low-production item within the broader scope of modern Mint issues. As such, its availability may be time-sensitive, especially as more collectors seek to assemble complete sets of the Presidential Silver Medal series. The medal is offered individually by the Mint, housed in a protective plastic pouch and accompanied by a full-color certificate of authenticity. The packaging includes a biographical summary of Grant’s life, military career, and presidential accomplishments, providing essential context for collectors and historians alike.
Though not legal tender, this silver medal is officially recognized as a U.S. Mint product and carries all the hallmarks of federal production quality. Its historical design, backed by modern minting technology, ensures a long-lasting finish and striking visual presentation. Collectors may choose to preserve the medal in its original Mint packaging or submit it for third-party grading. Numismatic services such as PCGS and NGC often certify these medals with designations like SP69 and SP70, and may offer labels with historical themes or presidential seals, increasing their display value and market appeal.
The Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Silver Medal appeals not only to collectors of modern U.S. Mint issues, but also to enthusiasts of Civil War history and presidential memorabilia. As the commanding general who accepted Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox and later a two-term president, Grant’s legacy is both complex and significant. The medal’s powerful imagery—his solemn profile and the iconic handshake of peace—serves as a visual reminder of his dual identity as a wartime unifier and a peacetime leader. His efforts to enforce Reconstruction policies and protect the rights of freed African Americans add further gravitas to the symbolism of the reverse.
Condition-wise, most examples of the Ulysses S. Grant medal are received in pristine condition, as they are handled with care from production to distribution. The matte finish resists fingerprinting and hairlines better than proofs, ensuring long-term eye appeal when stored properly. Collectors seeking the highest grades will appreciate the Mint’s attention to strike quality, planchet selection, and surface preservation. Whether raw or graded, the medal presents with strong relief, sharp details, and attractive luster consistent with premium numismatic standards.
As part of a growing and historically rich series, the Grant medal pairs well with those of other Civil War-era leaders, such as Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson. Its uniform format allows for seamless display in albums or presentation boxes alongside medals of other presidents. For educators, students, and reenactors, it serves as a tactile learning tool and symbol of postwar leadership. For those with personal or ancestral connections to Union veterans or Reconstruction events, the medal can also hold special commemorative value.
The Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Silver Medal embodies the strength, struggle, and reconciliation of a critical period in American history. With its weight in pure silver, classical design elements, and deep-rooted symbolism, it stands as a powerful testament to Grant’s enduring legacy. Whether appreciated for its artistry, its silver content, or its place in the Presidential Medal series, this medal is a striking tribute to the man who led the Union to victory and sought to bind the wounds of a fractured nation through peace and friendship.