Finding US Grant Token or Medal in the Wild: A Cherry Picker’s Guide

The Thrill of the Hunt

Finding treasures doesn’t always require a dealer. When searching through circulation or bulk lots, keep an eye out for the US Grant token or medal bearing the date range “USG 1868-35.” This fascinating piece can turn up anywhere – from a forgotten drawer at an estate sale to the bottom of a dealer’s junk box. These items occupy that sweet spot in collecting: uncommon enough to be interesting, but not so rare that they’re out of reach for the average collector.

Historical Significance

The dates “1868-35” on this piece reference Ulysses S. Grant’s presidential inauguration in 1868 and his death in 1885 (though the “35” marking is somewhat unusual for his death year, suggesting either a commemorative interpretation or potential marking variation). Grant, the 18th President of the United States and victorious Union general of the Civil War, has been commemorated on countless tokens, medals, and commemorative pieces since his lifetime. These items were produced by various manufacturers, often as political memorabilia, funeral commemoratives, or simply as collectible pieces for history enthusiasts.

Identifying Key Markers

When searching through bulk lots or estate collections, there are several identifying features to look for with this particular piece:

• The inscription “USG 1868-35” prominently displayed
• Typical diameter of approximately 30-35mm
• Bronze or copper composition with a rich brown patina
• Profile or bust portrait of Grant on the obverse
• Various reverse designs depending on the specific variety

The Triple Beard Variety

One particularly interesting variety mentioned in collector circles is the “triple beard” variety. This die variety shows what appears to be three distinct beard lines or layers on Grant’s portrait, likely resulting from a doubled or tripled die error during production. Such varieties can add collector interest and potentially modest premium value, though the price difference is typically minimal for pieces in circulated condition.

Where to Find These Treasures

The beauty of hunting for US Grant tokens and medals lies in their unpredictable appearance. Here are the best hunting grounds:

Circulation and Bulk Lots

While you’re unlikely to find these in everyday pocket change, coin dealers often sell bulk lots of “world coins” or “mixed tokens” that can contain American commemorative pieces. These lots, typically priced per pound or per hundred pieces, offer excellent hunting opportunities. The key is patience and careful examination of each piece.

Estate Sales and Auctions

Older estates, particularly those of individuals with historical interests or from the mid-20th century, frequently contain forgotten tokens and medals. These often sell as part of “box lots” or “junk drawers” at estate auctions. The pieces may be tarnished, dirty, or appear unremarkable at first glance, so thorough inspection is crucial.

Antique Shops and Flea Markets

Antique dealers who don’t specialize in numismatics may have these pieces priced as curiosities rather than as numismatic items. This presents opportunities for knowledgeable collectors to acquire pieces at below-market rates. Look in cases labeled “vintage items,” “old coins,” or simply “assorted collectibles.”

Condition and Value Assessment

Based on collector feedback, a typical US Grant “USG 1868-35” piece in average circulated condition might value between $20-30. However, several factors can influence this:

Condition Grading

The piece described shows wear but maintains its integrity – not quite “junk” but certainly circulated. For these commemorative pieces, collectors often appreciate the brown patina that develops naturally over time, as it indicates authenticity and age. Harsh cleaning or polishing can actually decrease value.

Market Factors

Demand for presidential memorabilia fluctuates with historical anniversaries and renewed interest in specific historical periods. Civil War sesquicentennial events and Grant biographies have periodically spiked interest in his commemorative items.

Authentication Tips

When examining potential finds, consider these authentication points:

Look for consistent patina across the surface, appropriate wear patterns that match the supposed age, and weight that feels correct for the metal composition. Many modern reproductions exist, but they often show telltale signs like uneven surfaces, incorrect sizing, or suspicious brightness.

Building Your Collection

For collectors interested in presidential memorabilia or Civil War-era items, these Grant pieces make excellent additions. They’re affordable, historically significant, and diverse enough to provide collecting challenges. Consider focusing on:

• Different die varieties and manufacturers
• Various compositions (bronze, copper, silver-plated)
• Different commemorative purposes (inauguration, death, historical society issues)
• Regional variations from different minting locations

Conclusion

The US Grant “USG 1868-35” token or medal represents the perfect cherry-picking opportunity for collectors. Not rare enough to be elusive, but uncommon enough to be rewarding when found. Whether you’re a specialist in presidential memorabilia, a Civil War enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys the thrill of the hunt, these pieces offer accessible entry into historical collecting. The next time you’re sorting through a bulk lot or browsing an estate sale, keep an eye out for that distinctive brown patina and the “USG 1868-35” marking – you might just uncover a piece of history at a bargain price.

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