Smart Buying Guide: How to Buy US Grant Token or Medal Without Getting Ripped Off

Historical Significance

The US Grant token or medal you’re considering is a fascinating piece of American political memorabilia from the 1868 presidential campaign. These tokens were produced to commemorate Ulysses S. Grant’s successful run for the presidency, marking the transition from his military leadership during the Civil War to his political career. The date range “1868-35” likely refers to his election year (1868) and perhaps his age or another significant number from that period.

Identifying Key Markers

When examining potential purchases, look for the “USG 1868-35” marking mentioned in the forum discussion. The piece appears to be a campaign token rather than a traditional medal, given its political context. One collector noted it might be the “triple beard variety,” which could be a distinguishing characteristic that affects value. The condition is described as “not great” but not junk, suggesting moderate wear consistent with age. Pay attention to the brown patina mentioned by another collector, as this original coloration can indicate authenticity.

Where to Buy

These tokens can be found through various channels. Online marketplaces like eBay often have listings, though you’ll need to search carefully using terms like “US Grant token 1868” or “US Grant campaign token.” Antique shops and coin shows may also carry these items, where you can examine them in person. Some specialized political memorabilia dealers focus on campaign items from the 19th century. The forum suggests these aren’t super rare but also not among the most common varieties, so patience may be required to find the right piece.

Red Flags to Watch For

Several warning signs should make you cautious. First, be wary of pieces that appear too perfect or show no signs of age-related wear – authentic 150+ year old tokens will have some patina and wear. The forum mentions the condition isn’t great, so pristine examples might be questionable. Watch for modern reproductions that lack the correct weight, metal composition, or detail sharpness of period pieces. Be suspicious of sellers who can’t provide provenance or seem unsure about what they’re selling. If a price seems too good to be true for what’s claimed to be an authentic piece, it probably is.

Raw vs. Slabbed Considerations

Most US Grant campaign tokens like this one are sold raw rather than slabbed, as they typically don’t command high enough prices to justify third-party grading for most collectors. However, slabbing can provide authentication peace of mind, especially for newer collectors. Raw pieces allow you to examine the token personally and potentially negotiate better prices, but require more knowledge to authenticate. Slabbed examples offer guaranteed authenticity but at a premium price and with less flexibility for personal examination.

Negotiating Tips

The forum suggests a value range of $20-30 for pieces in the described condition, which indicates these aren’t particularly valuable items. Use this as a baseline for negotiations. When dealing with raw tokens, point out any condition issues, wear, or imperfections to justify a lower price. Ask about the seller’s acquisition history and whether they can provide any documentation. For online purchases, don’t hesitate to request additional photos from different angles. Remember that these tokens were mass-produced for political campaigns, so rarity isn’t a major factor in pricing – condition and eye appeal matter more.

Authentication Methods

Authenticating these tokens requires attention to detail. Examine the metal composition – period pieces should have appropriate weight and feel for their purported metal type. Check the sharpness of details, particularly around fine features like lettering and facial features. The brown patina mentioned should appear natural rather than artificially applied. Compare your potential purchase to known authentic examples using resources like the Google search link provided in the forum. The triple beard variety mentioned could be a key identifier, so research this specific variety thoroughly.

Market Trends

Political campaign memorabilia from the post-Civil War era has maintained steady collector interest, though pieces like this US Grant token remain relatively affordable. The market isn’t particularly volatile for these items, making them good entry points for new collectors interested in political history. Values have remained relatively stable over the years, with condition being the primary price driver rather than rarity. The mention of “small double digits value” suggests these won’t appreciate dramatically, but they offer historical interest at accessible price points.

Building Your Collection Strategy

For collectors interested in this niche, consider focusing on building a type set of campaign tokens from different presidential elections. The 1868 Grant token could be an excellent starting point for a collection spanning multiple eras. Since these pieces are relatively affordable, you can afford to be selective about condition and specific varieties. Network with other collectors through forums and shows to learn about upcoming availability and potentially trade for pieces that better fit your collecting goals.

Final Considerations

The US Grant campaign token represents an accessible entry point into political memorabilia collecting. While not particularly valuable monetarily, these pieces offer tangible connections to significant moments in American political history. The forum discussion suggests a value range of $20-30 for average condition pieces, making them low-risk additions to a collection. Focus on finding pieces with good eye appeal and clear, readable details rather than worrying about minor condition issues. With patience and knowledge gained from resources like this guide, you can add authentic, historically significant pieces to your collection without overpaying or acquiring reproductions.

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