Trade Dollar Values
How Much Trade Dollars are Worth: Trade Dollar Values & Coin Price Chart
Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | U-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 | MS-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1800 | P | Plain 4- Stemless Wreath | Red-brown | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 900 | 1000 | 1200 | 1100 |
| Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1873 | (None) Phil | Trade | -- | $237 | $278 | $367 | $573 | $725 | $1,553.00 | $3,903.00 | $7,219.00 | $12,995.00 | $70,495.00 |
| 1873 | CC | -- | -- | $805 | $1,155.00 | $1,535.00 | $3,195.00 | $4,010.00 | $9,490.00 | $30,000.00 | $72,650.00 | $188,750.00 | -- |
| 1873 | S | -- | -- | $273 | $343 | $520 | $725 | $980 | $2,035.00 | $3,955.00 | $5,355.00 | $29,750.00 | $54,500.00 |
| 1874 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $237 | $284 | $352 | $561 | $650 | $1,355.00 | $2,890.00 | $4,300.00 | $12,010.00 | $67,500.00 |
| 1874 | CC | -- | -- | $458 | $552 | $728 | $1,248.00 | $1,535.00 | $2,960.00 | $6,860.00 | $15,300.00 | $54,750.00 | $106,000.00 |
| 1874 | S | -- | -- | $231 | $273 | $334 | $430 | $512 | $1,172.00 | $2,310.00 | $4,290.00 | $21,725.00 | -- |
| 1875 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $479 | $608 | $830 | $1,323.00 | $1,660.00 | $2,725.00 | $4,925.00 | $8,328.00 | $17,900.00 | $43,850.00 |
| 1875 | CC | -- | -- | $428 | $573 | $742 | $1,115.00 | $1,500.00 | $3,070.00 | $5,228.00 | $10,650.00 | $39,000.00 | $103,750.00 |
| 1875 | S | -- | -- | $231 | $273 | $334 | $430 | $512 | $1,172.00 | $2,145.00 | $3,225.00 | $16,495.00 | $20,200.00 |
| 1875 | S | Obverse 2, Reverse 2 | -- | $187 | $220 | $292 | $455 | $537 | $1,137.00 | $2,450.00 | $3,433.00 | $7,700.00 | -- |
| 1876 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $241 | $284 | $348 | $444 | $542 | $1,186.00 | $2,255.00 | $3,225.00 | $8,610.00 | $28,350.00 |
| 1876 | CC | -- | -- | $714 | $830 | $1,013.00 | $1,610.00 | $2,005.00 | $5,740.00 | $18,125.00 | $39,300.00 | $89,925.00 | -- |
| 1876 | CC | Obverse 1, Reverse 1 | -- | $578 | $660 | $825 | $1,320.00 | $2,630.00 | $4,730.00 | $13,750.00 | $44,300.00 | $69,850.00 | -- |
| 1876 | S | -- | -- | $231 | $273 | $334 | $430 | $512 | $1,199.00 | $2,200.00 | $3,308.00 | $12,100.00 | $38,500.00 |
| 1876 | S | Obverse 1, Reverse 1 | -- | $187 | $220 | $292 | $468 | $424 | $1,023.00 | $2,450.00 | $3,433.00 | $12,600.00 | $41,000.00 |
| 1876 | S | Obverse 1, Reverse 2 | -- | $187 | $220 | $292 | $385 | $424 | $1,387.00 | $2,450.00 | $6,683.00 | $7,700.00 | -- |
| 1877 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $231 | $284 | $334 | $430 | $555 | $1,395.00 | $2,173.00 | $3,445.00 | $11,495.00 | $26,750.00 |
| 1877 | CC | -- | -- | $559 | $754 | $937 | $1,608.00 | $2,260.00 | $5,215.00 | $10,700.00 | $24,995.00 | $105,000.00 | $157,500.00 |
| 1877 | S | -- | -- | $231 | $273 | $334 | $430 | $512 | $1,172.00 | $2,145.00 | $3,225.00 | $13,995.00 | $17,700.00 |
| 1878 | S | -- | -- | $231 | $273 | $334 | $500 | $529 | $1,213.00 | $2,200.00 | $3,390.00 | $7,110.00 | $17,700.00 |
History of the Trade Dollar
The Trade Dollar reflects of America’s growing role in global trade during the late 19th century. Minted from 1873 to 1878, and in proof format until 1885, it was the first U.S. coin explicitly created for international commerce, particularly in Asian markets such as China. Designed by William Barber, the Trade Dollar was conceived to compete directly with the Mexican Peso and Spanish Dollar, which had long dominated trade in the East.
Authorized under the Coinage Act of 1873, the Trade Dollar weighs 420 grains of .900 fine silver, slightly heavier than the standard silver dollar, making it more appropriate for use in foreign transactions at the time. The coin’s obverse features Lady Liberty seated on a bale of goods, holding an olive branch and facing the sea, a design associated overseas trade. The reverse depicts a bald eagle grasping arrows and an olive branch, accompanied by the inscription “420 GRAINS .900 FINE”, an assurance to merchants of the coin’s intrinsic silver content.
Initially welcomed in overseas trade, the coin later encountered issues domestically. Due to fluctuations in silver prices, the Trade Dollar bullion value often exceeded or fell below its face value, causing confusion in circulation. Many entered the U.S. economy despite being intended for export, and by 1876, Congress officially demonetized the coin for domestic use. Redemption rights were restored in 1887, an uncommon step in U.S. coinage history.
Rarest Coins in the Series
While the Trade Dollar was minted in multiple years and at several facilities, including Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Carson City, a few issues have achieved notable status among collectors.
The 1884 and 1885 Trade Dollars are some of the rarest dates of the series. Struck only as Proofs; these coins were irregular issues and not intended for circulation. They were therefore produced in extremely limited quantities. About ten Proofs are known for 1884, and exactly five for 1885. Both coins are surrounded by mystery, as they were likely struck unofficially at the Mint, later surfacing in private collections.
The 1873-CC (Carson City) Trade Dollar also stands out as a major rarity, representing the first year of production and one of the most desirable issues from this historic Western mint. Similarly, the 1878-S marks the final year of regular production before the series shifted to Proof-only strikes, adding historical importance to this date.
High-grade specimens of these coins, especially those free from “chopmarks,” or counterstamps made by Asian merchants, can bring strong premiums in today’s market. The 1884 and 1885 proofs, in particular, have realized seven-figure prices at major auctions, making them among the most valuable silver coins ever produced by the U.S. Mint.
Types of Collections
The Trade Dollar series lends itself to several types of collections, catering to both casual collectors and seasoned numismatists:
- Date-and-Mint Sets: A complete run of circulation strikes from 1873–1878, including issues from Philadelphia (no mint mark), Carson City (CC), and San Francisco (S).
- Proof Sets: Focused on the exquisite proof strikes made between 1873 and 1885, prized for their mirror-like surfaces and low mintages.
- Chop-Marked Collections: These coins bear merchant counterstamps from Asian trade, adding authenticity and historical intrigue.
- High-Grade Specimens: Collectors seeking top-tier condition coins (MS-65 and above) focus on eye appeal, luster, and clean fields, often certified by PCGS or NGC.
Because of the series’ short production span, it’s possible to complete a core set, though branch mint issues (especially 1873-CC and 1875-S) remain challenging to find in top grades.
Beginner vs. Advanced Collecting
Beginner Collecting
For beginner collectors, the Trade Dollar offers an ideal introduction to 19th-century U.S. silver coinage. Circulated examples with minor wear are relatively affordable and accessible, offering a tangible connection to global commerce and American history.
Advanced Collecting
Advanced collectors, however, tend to pursue rare date-mint combinations, proof strikes, or examples with exceptional eye appeal. These collectors often specialize in specific varieties or die pairings, such as doubled dies, repunched mintmarks, or rotated reverses, all features that add depth and complexity to the series.
Another area of focus for advanced numismatists is the study of Asian “chopmarks.” These symbols, applied by merchants to verify authenticity, transform each coin into a unique artifact of global trade. While they reduce traditional grading value, they add clear historical context and are collected as a distinct niche.
Investment Potential
The Trade Dollar value has been supported by historical significance, limited production, and silver content. Its appeal spans both collectors and investors, drawn by its rarity, artistry, and ties to America’s industrial rise.
Circulated coins often trade near bullion value with modest premiums, while high-grade or Proof issues can reach higher valuations. Dates such as the 1873-CC, 1878-S, and especially the 1884 and 1885 proofs have shown long-term collector demand in past markets.
Some buyers consider Trade Dollars part of a diversified tangible-asset collection. Certified examples from major third-party services (NGC, PCGS) are widely traded and easier to compare by grade or provenance.
In short, while the coin’s original purpose was economic competition abroad, its modern legacy lies in its enduring numismatic significance in the U.S. market.