Circulation Strike Circulation Strike

Circulation Strike

Designed by: William Barber
Issue Dates: 1873-1878
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Diameter: 38.1 mm
Weight: 27.21 grams (419.91 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Business Strike Mintage: 35,954,535

The Trade Dollar was first minted in 1873 in response to the need for a coin to compete with the Mexican "dollar" in the Orient. Weighing 420 grains, or slightly heavier than a standard silver dollar, the Trade Dollar was intended for export only. The obverse depicts Miss Liberty seated on a bale, of merchandise, her right hand holding a branch, her left hand holding a ribbon inscribed LIBERTY, a sheaf of wheat behind, and the sea in front. IN GOD WE TRUST appears at the bottom just above the date. Stars surround the upper portion. The reverse depicts an eagle holding three arrows and a branch, with E PLURIBUS UNUM on a ribbon above, 420 GRAINS, 900 FINE. below. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and TRADE DOLLAR surrounds.

The numismatist today can readily secure a Trade Dollar in grades from Fine through AU. Some pieces have chopmarks consisting of Oriental characters impressed by bankers and merchants when the pieces circulated in the Orient. Uncirculated coins are scarce, and superb Uncirculated pieces are rare. Proofs exist in proportion to their original mintages and are primarily available from the years from 1879 through 1883.

1873-CC Trade Dollar
1873-CC Trade Dollar
Circulation Mintage: 124,500
Estimated Survivors: 500-750 Coins in All Conditions
Obverse Text:

1873 | LIBERTY | IN GOD WE TRUST

Reverse Text:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | E PLURIBUS UNUM | 420 GRAINS. 900 FINE. | TRADE…

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1874-CC Trade Dollar
1874-CC Trade Dollar
Circulation Mintage: 1,373,200
Estimated Survivors: 1,500-2,250 Coins in All Conditions
Obverse Text:

1874 | LIBERTY | IN GOD WE TRUST

Reverse Text:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | E PLURIBUS UNUM | 420 GRAINS. 900 FINE. | TRADE…

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1875-CC Trade Dollar
1875-CC Trade Dollar
Circulation Mintage: 1,573,700
Estimated Survivors: 1,800-3,000 Coins in All Conditions
Obverse Text:

1875 | LIBERTY | IN GOD WE TRUST

Reverse Text:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | E PLURIBUS UNUM | 420 GRAINS. 900 FINE. | TRADE…

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1876-CC Trade Dollar
1876-CC Trade Dollar
Circulation Mintage: 509,000
Estimated Survivors: 805-1,300 Coins in All Conditions
Obverse Text:

1876 | LIBERTY | IN GOD WE TRUST

Reverse Text:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | E PLURIBUS UNUM | 420 GRAINS. 900 FINE. | TRADE…

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1877-CC Trade Dollar
1877-CC Trade Dollar
Circulation Mintage: 534,000
Estimated Survivors: 450-750 Coins in All Conditions
Obverse Text:

1877 | LIBERTY | IN GOD WE TRUST

Reverse Text:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | E PLURIBUS UNUM | 420 GRAINS. 900 FINE. | TRADE…

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1878-CC Trade Dollar
1878-CC Trade Dollar
Circulation Mintage: 97,000
Estimated Survivors: 300-450 Coins in All Conditions
Obverse Text:

1878 | LIBERTY | IN GOD WE TRUST

Reverse Text:

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA | E PLURIBUS UNUM | 420 GRAINS. 900 FINE. | TRADE…

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