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Politics & Government

U.S. Mint Coming to Grant's Farm with Newest Coin

Nationwide release of the Ulysses S. Grant $1 coin will be held May 19 at the White Haven Historic Site in Grantwood Village.

On May 19, the coin honoring Ulysses S. Grant will be released at the in .

Each year since 2007, four $1 coins have rolled out, honoring each of the nation’s presidents in the order they held office.

The ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. Historian John F. Marszalek will deliver a keynote address. Marszalek is executive director and managing editor of the Ulysses S. Grant Association and the author of several books about the Civil War.

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White Haven Park Superintendent Tim Good was happy about the choice of the St. Louis site, especially because so many national sites have significant connections to the 18th president.

“His home in Galena, the tomb in Hyde Park, New York, any one of the Civil War battlefields, the Appomatox County Courthouse—they chose White Haven,” Good said.

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Perhaps Mrs. Grant had some influence in the site selection. First spouse $10 gold coins complement the presidential coins. The reverse side of the Julia Dent Grant coin depicts the young U.S. Grant, clean shaven  and smiling, courting his future wife at her family’s White Haven home. 

For St. Louis coin collectors, the Grant coin release merits a field trip to purchase the coins, and to get a signature or two from visiting dignitaries. But anyone can attend.

"A release like this is a big deal for collectors. People come from all over the country. To have it so close, that’s a plus," said Tom Shearburn, manager of Crestwood Coin and Jewelers

"When the Lewis and Clark nickel was released at the national park at the Arch, my sons and I went... It’s nice to have them documented," Shearburn said. 

“The Grant dollars for St. Louis will probably come from the Denver mint," Shearburn said. "They’ll be available at banks."

Shearburn's shop stocks collectible proof sets of all four 2011 presidential dollars, selling for $23.95. Uncirculated sets, comprised of coins from each mint are $35.95. He also sells attractive, sturdy folders to hold each of the presidential coins.

“The proof coins are double struck so the images are very clear,” Shearburn said.

The $10 face value Julia Dent Grant coin, which contains half an ounce of gold, sold for more than $700 last week. The price rises and falls, tied to the price of gold each day.

Expect big crowds and long lines at White Haven, especially if weather is good. "The event at White Haven is exciting,” Shearburn said.

For more information contact the White Haven Visitor Center 314-842-3298

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