Some historic U.S. Grant pieces

BillJones

The Gettysburg Reunion thread inspired me to post this group of U.S. Grant pieces. These two medalets and one medal were issued in connection with his presidential campaigns.

Grant was not at Gettysburg because he was busy winning the siege of Vicksburg, which was almost as important as the Gettysburg battle. Vicksburg was the South’s last stronghold on the Mississippi River and once it was taken, the Confederacy was cut in two. This piece was issued just after Vicksburg and was re-issued when Grant ran for President in 1868. This medalet is fairly common, but most examples I have seen show signs of circulation. This piece could have listed as a Civil War token, but it's not in the book.




This second medalet features the famous Grant quote, “I intend to fight it out on this line if it takes all summer.” Grant made this comment in a dispatch to Washington on May 11, 1864 just before the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House. It was a significant statement because previous Union generals had fought major battles and then retired to rest their men, much to the consternation of Abraham Lincoln. He wanted a general who would fight hard, and Grant filled the bill perfectly.

This piece is quite common, but many examples are weakly struck on Grant’s face. This one is about as good as it gets in that regard. This piece was issued during Grant's 1868 presidential campaign.



This large medal (50 mm) was also issued during the 1868 presidential campaign. It refers to Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Courthouse. During that event Grant granted liberal terms of surrender to Lee and his men. The offices were allowed to keep their sidearms although the rifles, as shown on the medal, had to be stacked. More importantly the men were allowed to take their horses because they would need them for spring planting.

This medal is fairly scarce, but it does show up from time to time in exonumia auctions. It was only struck in white metal.

kryptonitecomics

I really like the look of that last one Bill...thanks for sharing

RYK

Interesting and historic post.

ricko

Very interesting.. and great photographs... thanks... Cheers, RickO

BNBAnalytics

Nice coins, Bill..

mommam17

I, too, like the last Grant VERY much. Nicer than the .50 cent commem half!

Flatwoods

Great stuff!

Justacommeman

VERY Bill....................Thank you for sharing! MJ

BillJones

Someone across the street asked if the first two pieces could be found without the hole. I have never seen an example of the first piece (Vicksburg) without the hole. The second one can be found without the hole without a lot of digging.

Many advanced collectors prefer the pieces with the hole because it shows that the piece was made to be a political token and not a collectors’ piece.

291fifth

Not one of those medals would make an MS-70. They can't be of much interest.

DUIGUY

Some more Gen. Grant;

yellowkid

I have an "if it takes all summer" and you are right about the strike, yours is very nice!!!!

LotsoLuck

You got some fine stuff there Bill Jones. Thanks for sharing!

coindeuce

I keep this in sight to remind me of how fickle fate can be even for those who are so well regarded. Despite his well earned fame as a military leader of the Union Army, and subsequent elevation by popular vote to commander-in-chief of the nation, Ulysses S.Grant died a painful death (near Saratoga Springs, N.Y.) from throat cancer after having been financially ruined in retirement to the extent of being rendered nearly penniless. Grant spent most of the final year of his life frantically struggling to write and publish his memoirs in order to pay off debts and finance his funeral.

orie

Seeing the top medal reminded me of a little faction. The surrender to the Siege of Vicksburg was on Independence Day. The Confederates wanted to surrender the week before, but Grant insisted on waiting. Just a little extra slap in the face.

pakasmom

Very interesting. As always, thank-you!
Can anyone tell me what Banca Metal is? (As referenced in the post from DUIGUY.)