The value of coins associated with historical figures often sparks considerable interest among collectors and numismatists. When discussing Ulysses S. Grant 1869-1877 coin value, it is important to distinguish between commonly available modern commemorative issues and genuinely rare, older pieces. While the 2011 Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Dollar coins are widely recognized, references to earlier coins featuring Grant from his presidential term (1869-1877) suggest a different, more complex scenario. These earlier purported coins, if authentic, would be exceptionally rare and valuable.
It is critical to approach claims of Ulysses S. Grant 1869-1877 coin value with a discerning eye. The United States Mint did not issue a general circulation dollar coin featuring Ulysses S. Grant during his presidency from 1869 to 1877. Therefore, any coin explicitly marketed as an “official U.S. dollar coin” from that period with Grant’s likeness is likely misidentified, a private commemorative, or a deceptive listing. Understanding this distinction is fundamental to accurately assessing any potential ulysses s grant 1869 to 1877 coin value.
Understanding the Landscape of Ulysses S. Grant Coinage
The images often associated with searches for “Ulysses S. Grant 1869-1877 coin value” typically include:
- Ulysses S Grant Dollar Coin | Buy Presidential Coins
- RARE Antique Ulysses S. Grant $1 Dollar Coin 1869-1877 …
- 1 dollar 2011 – Ulysses S. Grant (1869-1877), USA – uCoin.net
- Ulysses S. Grant P Presidential $1 Dollar Coin 1869-1877 …
These visual cues highlight the prevalent confusion between the 2011 Presidential Dollar and the elusive earlier coins. The 2011 Presidential Dollar, part of a series honoring U.S. Presidents, is readily available and holds face value for uncirculated specimens, with only a slight premium for perfect condition examples. The focus of this article, however, is on the purported ulysses s grant 1869 to 1877 coin value derived from coins claimed to exist during his actual presidency.
Dissecting Claims of Rare Ulysses S. Grant Dollar Coins (1869-1877)
Online marketplaces, such as eBay, occasionally feature listings for “Rare Ulysses S. Grant dollar coins (1869-1877)” with purported values ranging from $1200 to $5000. These listings often create the impression that official U.S. dollar coins featuring Grant were minted during his term. This is a common misconception.
As stated, there was no official U.S. dollar coin featuring Grant minted by the U.S. Mint during that specific timeframe. The U.S. Mint’s coinage during the 1869-1877 period primarily consisted of Seated Liberty designs for silver dollars and various gold dollar types. If a coin from this era bears Grant’s image, it is almost certainly one of the following:
- Private Commemorative Issues: During the 19th century, private mints and companies produced a variety of tokens, medals, and commemorative pieces celebrating individuals or events. These are not official U.S. currency and their value depends on their rarity, material, and historical significance as a private issue. They would not be considered “U.S. dollar coins” in the official sense.
- Fantasy Pieces or Replicas: Some items might be modern fantasy pieces or replicas designed to look old. These typically have little to no numismatic value.
- Misleading Listings or Fakes: Unscrupulous sellers may intentionally misrepresent items to inflate their perceived value. This underscores the critical need for verification.
Therefore, while a listing might suggest a high ulysses s grant 1869 to 1877 coin value, it is imperative to verify the authenticity and origin of any such coin before considering a purchase. The absence of official U.S. Mint records for a Grant dollar coin from this era is a significant indicator.
Genuine U.S. Coins from the 1869-1877 Period and Their Value
Even without a dedicated Grant dollar coin, genuine U.S. coins from the 1869-1877 period can hold significant value. Their value is determined by their type, metal content, rarity, and condition, irrespective of featuring Grant’s image. Two notable examples are:
1869 Gold Dollars
The 1869 gold dollar coin, part of the Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3 gold dollar series, is a legitimate U.S. coinage issue from that period. These coins do not feature Ulysses S. Grant. However, they are genuinely rare and valuable.
- NGC Price Guide Data for 1869 Gold Dollars:
- Circulated Condition: Values typically range from $300 to $925.
- Uncirculated Condition: Values can reach up to $44,500 for high-grade specimens.
The significant difference in value between circulated and uncirculated examples highlights the importance of a coin’s condition. Collectors highly prize coins that show minimal wear and retain their original mint luster. The ulysses s grant 1869 to 1877 coin value discussion often inadvertently leads to these valuable contemporaneous coins.
1877 Trade Dollars
The Trade Dollar series was minted from 1873 to 1885, primarily for commerce with East Asian countries. The 1877 Trade Dollar is another valuable U.S. coin from Grant’s presidential tenure, though it does not bear his likeness.
- NGC Price Guide Data for 1877 Trade Dollars:
- Circulated Condition: Values range from $175 to $1000.
- Uncirculated Condition: Values can fetch up to $31,500.
Like the 1869 gold dollars, the considerable premiums for uncirculated 1877 Trade Dollars underscore the impact of preservation on ulysses s grant 1869 to 1877 coin value related searches. These coins represent the actual numismatic landscape of the period.
Determining the Value of a Ulysses S. Grant Coin from 1869-1877 (or Related Coins)
If you possess a coin that you believe is related to the ulysses s grant 1869 to 1877 coin value period, follow a structured approach to determine its potential worth:
1. Examine the Coin’s Date
The first step is to confirm the date on the coin. It must fall within the specified range of 1869-1877 to be considered relevant to this period. Coins outside this range are not part of the specific ulysses s grant 1869 to 1877 coin value discussion, although they may have their own separate values.
2. Verify Authenticity
This is the most crucial step, especially given the prevalence of fakes and misidentified items. If the coin appears to be a gold or silver dollar from this period, it is essential to have it authenticated by a reputable third-party coin grading service. Leading services include:
- Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC): A well-respected grading service known for its consistent and reliable evaluations.
- Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS): Another highly reputable service that provides authentication and grading for coins.
These services examine coins for genuineness, assign a grade based on condition, and encapsulate them in a tamper-evident holder. This process provides confidence in the coin’s authenticity and an objective assessment of its grade, which directly impacts its ulysses s grant 1869 to 1877 coin value.
3. Assess Condition
The condition of a coin is a primary driver of its value. Numismatists use a standardized grading scale (e.g., Sheldon scale from 1 to 70) to describe a coin’s state of preservation.
- Uncirculated (Mint State – MS): Coins that have never been used in commerce and retain their original mint luster. These command the highest prices.
- About Uncirculated (AU): Coins with very slight traces of wear on the highest points.
- Extremely Fine (XF): Coins with light wear on high points, but all major details remain sharp.
- Very Fine (VF): Coins with moderate wear, but all lettering and major features are clear.
- Fine (F), Very Good (VG), Good (G), About Good (AG): Circulated coins with increasing levels of wear, resulting in lower values.
A coin’s grade significantly impacts its ulysses s grant 1869 to 1877 coin value. A coin in “Good” condition will be worth a fraction of an “Uncirculated” example of the same type.
4. Look for Errors and Varieties
Minting errors and die varieties can significantly increase a coin’s rarity and, consequently, its value. Examples include:
- Misstrikes: When the coin blank (planchet) is not properly centered during striking.
- Double Dies: When the die impressions are doubled, leading to a “shadow” effect on design elements or lettering.
- Repunched Mint Marks (RPMs) or Overdates: When a mint mark or date is punched multiple times or over an earlier impression.
These anomalies are often highly sought after by collectors and can elevate the ulysses s grant 1869 to 1877 coin value for specific examples. Identifying errors often requires specialized knowledge or magnification.
5. Consider Mintage Figures
The mintage figure, or the total number of coins produced for a specific year and mint mark, directly influences a coin’s rarity.
- Lower Mintages: Coins with fewer examples produced are generally considered more rare and valuable, assuming demand exists.
- Higher Mintages: Coins produced in large quantities are typically more common and less valuable, unless they are in exceptional condition or possess a significant error.
Researching the mintage figures for specific coin types from the 1869-1877 period can provide context for their inherent rarity and contribute to understanding their ulysses s grant 1869 to 1877 coin value.
Seeking Professional Appraisal
The information provided here offers a framework for understanding ulysses s grant 1869 to 1877 coin value. However, to accurately assess the value of a potentially rare and valuable coin, it is always advisable to seek a professional appraisal.
- Reputable Coin Dealers: Experienced numismatic dealers can often provide preliminary assessments and guidance.
- Professional Grading Services: As mentioned, NGC and PCGS offer definitive authentication and grading, which is essential for high-value pieces.
Be wary of sellers offering coins with unverifiable authenticity or at prices that seem too good to be true. The numismatic market, like any market dealing with collectibles, has its share of deceptive practices. Due diligence and expert consultation are your best defenses against misrepresentation when investigating ulysses s grant 1869 to 1877 coin value.
Conclusion
The concept of “Ulysses S. Grant 1869-1877 coin value” primarily refers to the potential market for genuine U.S. coins minted during his presidency, such as 1869 gold dollars or 1877 Trade Dollars, which do not bear his image but are valuable due to their rarity and historical context. Claims of official U.S. dollar coins featuring Grant specifically from 1869-1877 are generally unsubstantiated by U.S. Mint records.
The 2011 Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Dollar is a modern commemorative with face value. Any earlier coin purporting to be a “Ulysses S. Grant $1 Dollar Coin 1869-1877” requires rigorous authentication. The true ulysses s grant 1869 to 1877 coin value for such items would hinge on their status as rare private commemoratives, if genuine, or as valuable contemporaneous U.S. Mint issues. Condition, authenticity, and professional appraisal remain the cornerstones of determining any coin’s true market worth.
What makes a Ulysses S. Grant dollar coin rare?
I can help with that. Minted between 1869-1877, this coin is a rare find for collectors. Its fineness is 0.5 and it is uncertified. The coin is ungraded and its circulation status is unknown. This Presidential coin is a must-have for any serious coin collector.
What is on the dollar coin from 1869 to 1877?
Good point! Grant dollar coin is a likeness of Ulysses S. Grant along with the inscriptions “In God We Trust”, “18th President” and “1869-1877.” The reverse features a striking rendition of the Statue of Liberty with the inscriptions “United States of America” and “$1.” The coin also features edge-incused inscriptions.
How much is a 1877 dollar coin worth?
According to the NGC Price Guide, as of August 2025, a Trade Dollar from 1877 in circulated condition is worth between $175 and $1000. However, on the open market 1877 Silver Dollars in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $31500.