Ulysses S. Grant on U. S. Postage Stamps and Commemorative Medals

As an outcome of a great American military victory it is not unusual for the victor to be viewed by the American public as a natural leader and an eminently suitable candidate for the presidency. So it was with Ulysses S. Grant who was swept into office in the election of 1868 by an enthusiastic public as the 18th President of the United States. He was reelected in 1872. In civilian or presidential garb his portrait appeared on five U.S. postage stamps. In his uniform, as general it appeared twice.

Civil War luminaries were honored in an 1890-93 series of U.S. postage stamps and Grant appeared on a chocolate colored five cent issue. (Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue No. 223, 255 and 270. No. 223 lacks the triangles used in upper left and right corners of subsequent issues). In 1898 this stamp was reissued in blue. (Scott Catalogue No. 281)

In 1902 the same portrait of Grant that was used in the 1890-93 series was reissued in brown on a four cent stamp. (Scott Catalogue No. 303 and 314A)

In 1923 this photo of a portly Grant was printed on an eight cent olive green stamp. (Scott Catalogue No. 560, 589, 640, 666 [overprinted "Kans."] and 677 [overprinted "Nebr."]) It is similar to the likeness that appears on both the new U.S. fifty dollar bill and the old.

In 1936-1937 the U.S. Postal Service issued its Army and Navy Series. On the three cent, purple stamp bearing Grant's picture he is flanked by Generals Sherman and Sheridan. This is a remarkably sharp, clear and detailed rendering of these three Civil War heroes. (Scott Catalogue No. 787)

A profile view of Grant appeared in the Presidential Series of 1938-1954 on an eighteen cent brown carmine stamp. (Scott Catalogue No. 823)

In 1986 President Grant appeared on a twenty-two cent stamp as part of an issue of Presidents Souvenir Sheets. This black line drawing is on cream color background. A replica of his signature is included. (Scott Catalogue No. 2216-19)

In June of 1995 a stunning sheet of twenty thirty-two cent stamps depicting Civil War personalities and battles was issued. Grant appears in the top row, second from the right, leaning on a tree at Cold Harbor, Virginia. On the back of the stamp is printed the following: "Union Lt. General Ulysses S. Grant Gained national fame with 'unconditional surrender' victory at Fort Donelson. Crafted brilliant wins at Vicksburg, Chattanooga. Forced Lee's surender. U.S. President 1869-77." (Scott Catalogue No. 2975)

Ulysses S. Grant has been honored with his portrait appearing in various colors on numerous post cards and letter sheets. Many stamp sellers have these listed in their catalogs.