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Community Corner

Show Us the Money

The U.S. Mint released for the first time nationwide, the U.S. Grant dollar coins at White Haven, next door to Crestwood.

Coins—money—honoring Ulysses S. Grant were dispersed for the first time nationwide, from Grant’s White Haven home, a national park. Hundreds turned out in the rain and sat under a giant tent erected for the occasion.

White Haven park borders the city of Crestwood on Grant Road between Gravois and Watson roads.

The ceremony included historian John F. Marszalek, who delivered 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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This year marks the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War. Grant was the Union Army general at the end of the struggle.

Since 2007, one dollar coins have rolled out of the mint honoring each of the nation’s presidents in the order they held office. Four are released each year.

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

“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.

Perhaps Mrs. Grant had some influence in the site selection. First spouse ten-dollar 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 numistatic enthusiasts, a.k.a. coin collectors, the Grant coin release merits a field trip to purchase the coins, and to get 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."

The coins really aren't circulated much. People tend to save them.

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, with one-half ounce of gold in each, sold for over $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.

Date: Thurs., May 19

Time: Ceremony begins at 2 p.m.

Location: White Haven; 7400 Grant Rd., St. Louis 63126

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

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