Preview
Creation Date
1873
Geography
London, England; United States
Culture
British, American
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
Diameter: 3.0 in. (7.6 cm)
Weight: 7.8 oz (217.5 g)
Credit Line
Long-term Loan from the Estate of Boris Blick, 2015
Accession Number
2015.159.2
Provenance
Though unspecific to this medal, as of February 2025, Professor Sarah Blick recalled the following details in regard to where her father's collection of medals may have been acquired:
She first mentioned that her father frequented Stagecoach Antiques on West Market Street while he lived in Akron, Ohio in 1964. Additionally, Her father purchased medals from Don Barrett at City Bank Antiques in Kent, Ohio. For the most part, however, his collection did not truly start coming together until he retired in 1990.
Additional Antique Shops Visited:
Cropley Circle Antiques - 1451 S Cleveland Massillon Rd, Akron, OH, 44321.
Medina Antique Mall - 2797 Medina Rd, Medina, OH 44256
Condition
The medal is in great condition, with only minor patina mostly found in the crevices of the design on both the obverse and reverse. (February 2025)
Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings
Obverse:
ULYSSES S. GRANT.
W & C BARBER
Reverse:
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
INAUGURATED
FIRST TERM
MARCH 4. 1869.
SECOND TERM
MARCH 4. 1873.
Creator Biography
William Barber was born on May 2, 1807 in London, England. When he moved to the United States, he was initially working in silver plate work. Barber eventually began working as an assistant to the Engraver of the Mint, and by 1869 he was appointed the fifth official chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. Barber held this position for the rest of his life, until his death in 1879.
William’s son, Charles E. Barber, who was also born in London in 1840 was William’s successor and was appointed the sixth chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint in 1880 by President Rutherford B. Hayes. Charles lived until 1917.
Description
The obverse of the medallion depicts the profile of President Ulysses S. Grant looking to the right. His name is inscribed around the edge of the medallion. Additionally, in small print below his profile it reads, “W & C BARBER”, the names of the makers of this object.
On the reverse, there are two branches tied together with ribbon towards the bottom to create a wreath. Inside of this reads the two dates in which Ulysses Grant had been inaugurated as President. On the outside of this wreath, the inscription more directly identifies Ulysses Grant as the President of the United States.
