The 1873 is the premier Proof in the Trade dollar series. Researcher Harry X Boosel uncovered internal Mint records that showed an output of 865 pieces, though 600 pieces is the generally accepted figure which is listed in the Guide Book. In any case, the date in Proof is considerably rarer than many of its compatriots of the era, especially the Proof-only issues of 1878 to 1883. The vast majority are found in Choice (PR-62-64) grade, with gems quite scarce. Cameos are found on roughly 20-25% of the certified examples.

The example to the left was sold by Stack's Bowers Galleries in the November 2021 Baltimore Auction, where it realized $14,400.