A United States one-dollar coin, approved by Congress, honored the 18th President of the US and a distinguished Civil Warfare normal. These cash had been struck in gold and symbolize a definite sort of commemorative foreign money issued by the U.S. Mint. The gadgets serve each as authorized tender and collector’s items, showcasing a portrait of the person on the obverse.
These numismatic gadgets maintain significance on account of their historic affiliation with a key determine in American historical past and their composition of valuable steel. They supply a tangible hyperlink to the post-Civil Warfare period and provide insights into the nation’s commemorative practices. The intrinsic worth of the gold mixed with the historic narrative they symbolize makes them engaging to each collectors and traders.
Detailed specs relating to mintage numbers, design parts, and variations can additional illuminate the amassing potential and funding concerns surrounding this explicit collection of gold cash. Examination of those options supplies a deeper understanding of the coin’s place throughout the broader context of U.S. coinage historical past.
1. Authorization
The creation of the gold greenback bearing the likeness of Ulysses S. Grant was not a spontaneous occasion. It required particular legislative authorization from the US Congress. This authorization served because the authorized basis for the U.S. Mint to supply and distribute this commemorative coinage. With out Congressional approval, the coin’s manufacturing would have been illegal. The authorization dictates the coin’s specs, together with its gold content material, design parameters, and the variety of cash to be minted. For instance, the precise act authorizing the coinage would have outlined the suitable vary of gold purity and the mandated inscriptions. This ensured uniformity and adherence to authorized requirements.
The act of authorization highlights the significance of Congressional prerogative in shaping U.S. coinage and commemorative packages. It demonstrates the legislative department’s function in recognizing historic figures and occasions by way of numismatic means. Much like how acts of Congress authorize the issuance of circulating coinage and silver bullion, the authorization for this coin underscores the federal government’s function in influencing the sorts of foreign money and commemorative gadgets accessible to the general public. The authorization acts as a examine and stability, stopping the mint from independently creating cash with out authorized justification. Historic precedent reveals quite a few cases the place commemorative coin packages, from the Columbian Exposition half greenback to more moderen points, all necessitate Congressional approval earlier than any bodily cash may be struck.
Understanding the authorization course of supplies perception into the creation and legitimacy of the gold coin. It clarifies the coin’s standing as a legally sanctioned piece of foreign money and a deliberate effort by the federal government to honor a big historic determine. Appreciating the legislative origins is essential to evaluating the merchandise’s historic context and appreciating its standing as a United States government-sanctioned commemorative. The authorization is inextricably linked to the coin’s very existence.
2. Commemoration
The “ulysses s grant gold greenback” serves essentially as a commemorative object. Its existence relies on the will to honor and keep in mind Ulysses S. Grant, each for his navy management through the Civil Warfare and for his two phrases as President of the US. The coin transcends its financial worth, functioning as a tangible illustration of historic reminiscence. The choice to depict Grant on a gold greenback represents a deliberate act of nationwide recognition. That is distinct from circulating coinage, which options figures usually extra symbolic of American beliefs than particular people.
Commemorative cash, together with this explicit challenge, are sometimes tied to particular anniversaries or occasions. Whereas the exact timing of the coin’s launch is essential for its particular person context, the underlying precept stays constant: to supply a long-lasting tribute to an individual or occasion deemed vital within the nationwide narrative. The act of buying and amassing these cash contributes to the continuing remembrance. Much like how statues and monuments function bodily reminders, commemorative coinage permits people to interact with historical past by way of a tangible object. The designs etched into the floor of the coin doubtless together with a portrait of Grant and probably symbols associated to his navy or presidential profession reinforce the commemorative intention. Such visible parts act as prompts, encouraging reflection on Grant’s contributions and the period wherein he lived.
The enduring significance of the “ulysses s grant gold greenback” lies in its skill to protect and transmit historic reminiscence. It capabilities as a reminder of the previous, facilitating continued engagement with Ulysses S. Grant and his place in American historical past. The coin’s commemorative function extends past its preliminary minting, persevering with to resonate with collectors and historians who worth its historic and cultural relevance. By recognizing the commemorative function of the “ulysses s grant gold greenback,” one can higher perceive its meant function and its lasting contribution to historic consciousness.
3. Gold Content material
The inherent worth and desirability of the “ulysses s grant gold greenback” are inextricably linked to its gold content material. The presence of this valuable steel considerably influences its perceived price, market value, and historic significance.
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Intrinsic Worth
The burden and purity of the gold throughout the coin present a base intrinsic worth, unbiased of its numismatic price. This worth fluctuates with the worldwide gold market, making the coin a tangible asset doubtlessly immune to financial downturns. The inherent price supplies a ground beneath the coin’s value, assuring some measure of worth even when collectibility diminishes.
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Authorized Tender Standing
As a gold coin issued by the U.S. Mint, it possessed authorized tender standing, though its precise use in on a regular basis transactions was unlikely on account of its greater worth. The gold content material assured its acceptance as a type of cost, backed by the U.S. authorities. Authorized tender standing additionally distinguished it from purely commemorative medals.
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Collectibility and Funding
The gold content material enhances its attraction to each collectors and traders. Collectors recognize the historic significance and design, whereas traders acknowledge the steel’s inherent worth as a hedge in opposition to inflation and foreign money devaluation. This twin attraction creates a wider marketplace for the coin, doubtlessly driving up its value.
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Historic Context
The choice to mint the coin in gold displays the financial and financial insurance policies of the period. Using gold as a backing for foreign money was extra prevalent within the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The coin supplies a tangible hyperlink to this historic interval and the significance positioned on valuable metals.
In abstract, the gold content material is a vital consider figuring out the “ulysses s grant gold greenback” worth, influencing its standing as authorized tender and affecting its attractiveness to collectors and traders. The presence of this valuable steel connects the coin to broader financial forces and historic financial practices.
4. President
The designation “President” kinds an important facet of understanding the “ulysses s grant gold greenback.” It straight signifies the first cause for the coin’s existence: to commemorate Ulysses S. Grant’s service because the 18th President of the US. His presidency represents a big interval in American historical past, marked by Reconstruction efforts and political complexities.
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Presidential Portrait
The inclusion of Grant’s portrait on the coin’s obverse straight connects the foreign money to his function as President. The picture serves as a visible illustration of his management and a reminder of his time in workplace. This symbolic depiction elevates the coin past mere foreign money, reworking it right into a historic artifact.
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Period of Governance
Grant’s presidency (1869-1877) occurred throughout a vital interval of Reconstruction following the Civil Warfare. The coin serves as a reminder of the challenges and insurance policies enacted throughout his administration, together with efforts to combine previously enslaved folks into society and handle financial instability. The coin’s existence prompts consideration of his successes and failures throughout this period.
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Image of Management
As a former Civil Warfare normal, Grant’s ascent to the presidency symbolized a transition from navy command to civilian management. The coin may be seen as a illustration of this transformation, highlighting the complexities of governing a nation after a interval of intense battle. The coin hyperlinks Grant’s navy achievements to his subsequent presidential duties.
The direct affiliation between “President” and the “ulysses s grant gold greenback” underscores the coin’s commemorative function. It serves as a tangible connection to Grant’s presidential legacy, prompting reflection on his administration and its place in American historical past. Analyzing the coin by way of the lens of his presidency gives a deeper appreciation for its historic and cultural significance.
5. Civil Warfare
The affiliation between the “ulysses s grant gold greenback” and the American Civil Warfare is key to understanding the coin’s function and historic context. Ulysses S. Grant achieved prominence because the commanding normal of the Union Military throughout this battle, a task that straight led to his subsequent political profession and eventual presidency. The Civil Warfare, subsequently, serves as a main catalyst for Grant’s nationwide recognition and the choice to honor him on a commemorative coin. The battle’s profound influence on the nation and Grant’s instrumental function within the Union victory solidified his place in American historical past, justifying his depiction on a U.S. coin. The coin thereby capabilities as a tangible hyperlink to this pivotal interval and Grant’s strategic management. With out his Civil Warfare achievements, it’s unbelievable {that a} coin bearing his picture would exist.
The Civil Warfare formed Grant’s character and management fashion, qualities that he later delivered to the presidency. His picture on the coin, subsequently, evokes not solely his navy victories but in addition the advanced challenges of Reconstruction that adopted the warfare. Understanding the Civil Warfare context permits for a extra nuanced appreciation of Grant’s presidential insurance policies and the divisions he tried to bridge. The coin, on this sense, serves as a reminder of the warfare’s lasting penalties and the efforts required to rebuild the nation. Moreover, the coin’s existence can immediate reflection on the moral and ethical dimensions of the battle and Grant’s function inside it.
The “ulysses s grant gold greenback” transcends its financial worth to develop into a historic artifact that embodies the legacy of the Civil Warfare. Recognizing the warfare’s centrality to Grant’s profession and the coin’s commemorative function gives a deeper understanding of its significance. Collectors and historians alike worth the coin not just for its gold content material and numismatic rarity but in addition for its tangible connection to a defining chapter in American historical past and the person who performed an important function in its end result. Ignoring the Civil Warfare context diminishes the coin’s historic resonance and reduces it to a mere piece of foreign money.
6. Numismatic
The “ulysses s grant gold greenback” occupies a big place throughout the area of numismatics, the examine and assortment of cash, paper foreign money, and associated objects. Its numismatic worth transcends its face worth as a one-dollar coin, derived as a substitute from elements resembling its historic significance, rarity, situation, and design. As a commemorative coin, its creation and distribution had been restricted, instantly classifying it as a collectible merchandise inside numismatic circles. Collectors analyze its numerous attributes, together with mint marks (indicating the mint the place it was produced), die varieties (minor variations within the design), and the general strike high quality to find out its desirability and potential worth.
The numismatic attraction of the “ulysses s grant gold greenback” is additional enhanced by its composition of gold. Valuable steel content material invariably elevates a coin’s intrinsic worth and attracts traders alongside conventional collectors. Grading providers, such because the Numismatic Warranty Company (NGC) and the Skilled Coin Grading Service (PCGS), play an important function in assessing the coin’s situation and assigning a grade that straight impacts its market worth. A coin graded as “Mint State” (MS) with a excessive numerical designation (e.g., MS-65 or greater) instructions a considerable premium over circulated or broken examples. Gross sales information from public sale homes like Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers Galleries reveal the fluctuations in market costs based mostly on these numismatic elements. These public sale outcomes present concrete examples of how the coin’s numismatic properties straight translate into tangible worth.
In conclusion, understanding the numismatic elements of the “ulysses s grant gold greenback” is crucial for anybody looking for to gather, put money into, or just recognize its place in American historical past. Its restricted mintage, valuable steel content material, and the nuances of its design and situation all contribute to its standing as a sought-after numismatic merchandise. Correct analysis and preservation strategies are very important for sustaining its worth and making certain its legacy for future generations of collectors and historians. The numismatic evaluation of the coin hyperlinks its historic illustration with its sensible marketability.
7. Mintage
The mintage figures for any coin, together with the “ulysses s grant gold greenback,” symbolize an important knowledge level influencing its shortage, collectibility, and market worth. Understanding the precise mintage numbers for various years and mint marks related to this explicit coin is crucial for assessing its numismatic significance.
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Whole Mintage and Rarity
The full variety of cash minted for a particular yr straight impacts its relative rarity. Decrease mintage figures typically correlate with greater values, notably if demand for the coin stays fixed or will increase over time. Conversely, greater mintage numbers recommend better availability, doubtlessly lowering particular person coin worth except offset by excessive demand. For instance, if the 1880 “ulysses s grant gold greenback” has a considerably decrease mintage than the 1881 challenge, the previous would doubtless be extra wanted by collectors.
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Mint Marks and Regional Distribution
The placement the place the coin was struck, indicated by a mint mark (e.g., “O” for New Orleans, “CC” for Carson Metropolis, if relevant), additionally impacts its worth. Sure mints could have produced fewer cash of a specific design, or their output could have been distributed inconsistently throughout the nation, resulting in regional shortage. A “ulysses s grant gold greenback” struck at a much less frequent mint would possibly command a premium, reflecting its restricted availability in sure geographical areas.
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Survival Charges and Situation
Whereas mintage figures point out the preliminary variety of cash produced, the quantity that survives to the current day in collectible situation considerably impacts its shortage. Cash that noticed intensive circulation or had been poorly saved could also be broken or worn, lowering their numismatic attraction. A low-mintage “ulysses s grant gold greenback” that exists primarily in decrease grades should be invaluable, however a high-grade instance from the identical mintage yr would doubtless be much more fascinating and command a better value.
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Influence on Market Worth
The interaction between mintage figures, mint marks, survival charges, and general demand straight determines the market worth of the “ulysses s grant gold greenback.” Numismatic guides and public sale outcomes present insights into how these elements affect pricing. Monitoring these sources permits collectors and traders to make knowledgeable selections about shopping for and promoting these cash. A radical understanding of those variables is essential for precisely assessing the coin’s potential as a collectible or funding.
Analyzing the mintage statistics associated to the “ulysses s grant gold greenback,” alongside different elements resembling gold costs and historic demand, supplies a complete framework for evaluating its significance and potential price. This understanding contributes to a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of numismatics and the historic context surrounding this commemorative coin.
8. Design
The design of the “ulysses s grant gold greenback” is a vital aspect in its general attraction and historic significance. The visible parts included into the coin served to commemorate Ulysses S. Grant and replicate the creative conventions of the period wherein it was produced. These design selections affect its numismatic worth and contribute to its enduring legacy.
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Obverse Portrait
The obverse of the coin usually contains a portrait of Ulysses S. Grant. The depiction goals to seize his likeness and convey his character as each a navy chief and a president. The standard of the portrait, the element rendered, and the artist’s talent contribute to the coin’s aesthetic attraction and perceived worth. For instance, a well-executed portrait that precisely displays Grant’s options is extra fascinating to collectors than a poorly rendered or generic depiction. The selection of portrait fashion, whether or not idealized or life like, additionally impacts how Grant is perceived and remembered.
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Reverse Imagery
The reverse aspect of the coin usually incorporates symbolic imagery related to Grant’s life or achievements. This would possibly embrace representations of his navy victories, symbols of nationwide unity, or allegorical figures representing liberty or justice. The choice and association of those parts contribute to the coin’s general narrative and reinforce its commemorative function. A reverse design that clearly and successfully communicates Grant’s legacy enhances the coin’s historic significance and numismatic attraction. For instance, an eagle with olive branches and arrows could characteristic, symbolizing peace and energy.
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Inscriptions and Lettering
The inscriptions on the coin, together with the identify “Ulysses S. Grant,” the date of challenge, and the denomination (“1 Greenback”), are essential parts of its design. The font fashion, placement, and readability of the lettering contribute to the coin’s general aesthetic attraction and legibility. Inscriptions additionally present important details about the coin’s origins and function. The design additionally incorporates phrases like “In God We Belief” and “E Pluribus Unum” linking the coin to nationwide beliefs.
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Aid and Texture
The three-dimensional high quality of the coin, together with the peak and depth of the aid, impacts its visible influence and tactile expertise. A well-defined aid enhances the main points of the portrait and different design parts, making the coin extra visually interesting. The feel of the coin’s floor, achieved by way of the minting course of, additionally contributes to its general aesthetic and might have an effect on its susceptibility to put on and tear. A excessive aid design showcases better talent by the engraver, rising the coin’s attraction.
The design parts of the “ulysses s grant gold greenback,” starting from the portrait to the inscriptions and aid, collectively contribute to its numismatic worth and historic significance. These design selections replicate the creative conventions of the period and serve to commemorate Ulysses S. Grant’s life and achievements. Collectors and historians alike worth the coin not just for its gold content material and rarity but in addition for the artistry and symbolism embedded in its design.
Often Requested Questions in regards to the Ulysses S. Grant Gold Greenback
The next questions handle frequent inquiries and misconceptions relating to the Ulysses S. Grant Gold Greenback, offering correct and concise details about its historic significance and numismatic properties.
Query 1: What particular act of Congress approved the Ulysses S. Grant Gold Greenback?
Analysis into related legislative information is important to find out the precise statute that approved the creation of this commemorative coin. Numismatic sources and Congressional archives are acceptable avenues for this dedication. The act itself would element the specs for the coin’s manufacturing.
Query 2: What’s the precise gold content material (in weight and purity) of the Ulysses S. Grant Gold Greenback?
Official information from the US Mint present the definitive reply to this query. These information define the exact weight in grams or troy ounces and the fineness (purity) of the gold utilized in its manufacture. This info is essential for calculating the coin’s intrinsic worth.
Query 3: Are there totally different sorts of the Ulysses S. Grant Gold Greenback, and in that case, how do they influence worth?
Numismatic catalogs and grading providers (PCGS, NGC) doc any identified die varieties, mint mark variations, or different anomalies related to this coin. These variations, if authenticated, can considerably affect the coin’s desirability and market value. Skilled session is really useful for identification.
Query 4: What elements contribute to the preservation and long-term storage of a Ulysses S. Grant Gold Greenback?
Correct dealing with strategies, resembling avoiding direct contact with the coin’s floor, are paramount. Storage in archival-quality holders or slabs designed for coin preservation is really useful to forestall environmental injury, resembling oxidation or scratching. Temperature and humidity management are additionally essential.
Query 5: How does the situation of the Ulysses S. Grant Gold Greenback have an effect on its worth?
Coin grading providers assess the situation of cash based mostly on a standardized scale (Sheldon Scale). Greater grades (e.g., MS-65 or greater) point out superior situation with minimal put on or imperfections, leading to considerably greater market values. Decrease grades (e.g., circulated or broken examples) are price significantly much less.
Query 6: What are dependable sources for monitoring the market worth of a Ulysses S. Grant Gold Greenback?
Public sale information from respected public sale homes (Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers Galleries), value guides printed by numismatic organizations, and seller tariffs present invaluable insights into market tendencies and present values. Nevertheless, it’s essential to seek the advice of a number of sources and contemplate the precise situation and rarity of the coin in query.
The Ulysses S. Grant Gold Greenback represents a confluence of historic significance, valuable steel content material, and numismatic artistry. Understanding the elements outlined above is crucial for knowledgeable appreciation and accountable stewardship of this distinctive piece of American historical past.
This concludes the incessantly requested questions. The following part delves into preservation and care tips.
Preservation and Dealing with Suggestions for the Ulysses S. Grant Gold Greenback
Correct care is crucial to take care of the situation and worth of this gold coin. Adhering to those tips will reduce potential injury and guarantee its longevity.
Tip 1: Deal with with Care
Keep away from direct contact with naked arms. Pores and skin oils and contaminants can depart everlasting marks and speed up corrosion. Put on clear, lint-free cotton gloves when dealing with the coin.
Tip 2: Correct Storage
Retailer the coin in an inert, archival-quality holder. Choices embrace plastic flips fabricated from mylar or polyethylene, or inflexible coin holders (slabs) from respected grading providers. Keep away from PVC-based holders, as they’ll injury the coin over time.
Tip 3: Environmental Management
Preserve a steady surroundings with low humidity and reasonable temperature. Keep away from storing the coin in areas vulnerable to temperature fluctuations or excessive humidity, resembling attics, basements, or close to home windows.
Tip 4: Keep away from Cleansing
Don’t try to wash the coin. Cleansing can scratch the floor and diminish its worth. Skilled conservation providers ought to be consulted for any needed cleansing or restoration.
Tip 5: Common Inspection
Periodically examine the coin for any indicators of decay, resembling recognizing, discoloration, or corrosion. Early detection can forestall additional injury.
Tip 6: Documentation
Hold detailed information of the coin’s provenance, buy value, and any related historic info. This documentation can improve its worth and help with insurance coverage claims if needed.
By following these preservation and dealing with ideas, custodians can safeguard the situation and worth of the merchandise, preserving it for future generations.
This results in the article’s conclusion, which summarizes key info and the coin’s worth.
Conclusion
The previous evaluation has explored numerous sides of the “ulysses s grant gold greenback,” encompassing its authorization, commemorative significance, gold content material, and numismatic properties. The coin serves as a tangible hyperlink to Ulysses S. Grant’s legacy as each a Civil Warfare normal and President of the US. Its worth derives from its historic context, valuable steel content material, and situation, making it a sought-after merchandise for collectors and traders.
The historic and numismatic significance of the merchandise warrants cautious consideration. People interested by buying or studying extra about this coin ought to seek the advice of respected numismatic sources and search skilled recommendation. Ongoing analysis and appreciation for historic artifacts contribute to a richer understanding of the previous.
