Obv: Military bust of Grant facing right; inscription around, GENERAL U.S. GRANT. Rev: Catafalque surmounted by trophy of flags, artillery, and eagle perched on shield, inscribed, IN/ MEMORY OF/ U.S.GRANT; figure of Civil War soldier left and a female figure (possibly a nurse), right; in exergue: BORN APRIL 22. 1822/ DIED/ JULY 23, 1885. Struck on thick (4.6 mm) planchet.

High-relief memorial medal with excellent red patina, struck shortly after Grant's death from throat cancer.