By DB Sikes
Card Subject Overview
Ulysses S. Grant led the Union Army to victory in the American Civil War and later served as the 18th President of the United States. A strategist of unflinching resolve, Grant earned national recognition for his relentless campaigns in the Western Theater and his eventual defeat of Robert E. Lee at Appomattox. As president, he championed Reconstruction, civil rights, and efforts to reunify a fractured nation, even as his administration struggled with political scandal. His portrayal in the T68 Heroes of History set reflects his pivotal role in reshaping the country during one of its most transformative eras.
“I need this man. He fights.”
– Abraham Lincoln on Ulysses S. Grant
Card Checklist
• All known backs and variations completed:
• Royal Bengals (Factory 2)
• Royal Bengals (Factory 17)
• Miners Extra (Regular)
• Miners Extra (Short Cut)
• Natural Leaf Scrap
• Pan Handle Scrap (Blue)
• Blank Back (Unconfirmed)
Rarity Tier & Difficulty Level
Ulysses S. Grant falls within the “Tier 2 Core Set Icons” category in the T68 set due to his widespread appeal and the medium volume of cards printed bearing his image. Royal Bengals and Miners Extra backs are frequently encountered. The Pan Handle Blue and Natural Leaf Scrap variations were somewhat more difficult to obtain but still surfaced in online marketplaces and collector non sport auctions. His popularity ensures continued demand but also healthy supply.
Acquisition Journey
The Grant run was assembled using a mix of online Ebay acquisitions and targeted buys from non-sports auction houses. The Royal Bengals were picked up early, while the Natural Leaf Scrap SGC came from a non-sports collector auction. The Miners Extra example’s required outreach to specific sellers known for rare backs. The short cut version was sourced from a miscellaneous EBay sale as SGC Authentic due to its size.
Printing & Distribution Notes
Grant cards reflect high-quality American Lithographic Co. printing, consistent with other presidential figures in the set. Royal Bengals were issued from both Factory No. 2 in New Jersey and Factory No. 17 in Virginia. The print quality remained sharp across variations, with no major lithographic flaws noted in this subject’s run.
Visual Archive
Each variation of the T68 “Heroes of History” General U.S. Grant card has been professionally scanned to highlight key front-and-back distinctions. The Natural Leaf Scrap back shows slight edge toning and a muted but rich coloration on the front. The two Miners Extra cards feature subtle differences in registration and size, with one showing sharper border alignment. The Pan Handle Scrap (blue ink) variation stands out for its exceptional front clarity and vibrant ink saturation—it remains ungraded but is a strong candidate for submission. Both Royal Bengals Little Cigar backs from Factory 17 display typical wear but help round out a comprehensive back-type collection for this subject.
Research Notes
As a foundational American figure, Grant appears frequently in patriotic card sets of the early 20th century. His presence in the T68 series was expected and well-received. While there are no known unique print runs for Grant, his consistent appearance across all major backs makes him a good barometer for variation distribution in the set.
Personal Reflection
Completing the Ulysses S. Grant subject run was a milestone in this collection. His historical stature and presence across nearly all known variations made him a centerpiece of the project. This was an enjoyable, methodical chase—ideal for those beginning their ‘Run the Table’ journey with a widely respected American figure.
Category Tags
• Subject Name: Ulysses S. Grant
• Variation Type: Pan Handle Scrap, Natural Leaf Scrap, Miners Extra Regular & Short cut, Royal Bengals Factory 2 & 17
• Rarity Tier: Tier 2 Core Set Icons
• Year: 1910–1911
• T68 Series Series One
Full Back- Type Completed
Leave a Reply