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 | -- | $229 | $273 | $367 | $586 | $725 | $1,578 | $3,903 | $7,219 | $12,995 | $70,495 |
| 1873 | S | -- | -- | $273 | $343 | $520 | $725 | $980 | $2,035 | $3,955 | $5,355 | $29,750 | $54,500 |
| 1873 | CC | -- | -- | $805 | $1,118 | $1,448 | $2,995 | $3,760 | $9,490 | $30,000 | $72,650 | $188,750 | -- |
| 1874 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $229 | $279 | $352 | $561 | $650 | $1,355 | $2,890 | $4,300 | $12,010 | $67,500 |
| 1874 | CC | -- | -- | $446 | $552 | $728 | $1,198 | $1,535 | $2,960 | $6,860 | $15,300 | $56,000 | $106,000 |
| 1874 | S | -- | -- | $224 | $268 | $334 | $443 | $537 | $1,172 | $2,360 | $4,290 | $21,725 | -- |
| 1875 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $479 | $608 | $830 | $1,323 | $1,660 | $2,725 | $4,925 | $8,328 | $18,400 | $43,850 |
| 1875 | CC | -- | -- | $428 | $573 | $742 | $1,115 | $1,475 | $3,070 | $5,228 | $10,650 | $39,000 | $103,750 |
| 1875 | S | -- | -- | $224 | $268 | $334 | $443 | $537 | $1,172 | $2,164 | $3,225 | $7,110 | $20,200 |
| 1875 | S | Obverse 2, Reverse 2 | -- | $187 | $220 | $292 | $455 | $537 | $1,137 | $2,450 | $3,433 | $7,700 | -- |
| 1876 | S | Obverse 1, Reverse 1 | -- | $187 | $220 | $292 | $468 | $424 | $1,023 | $2,450 | $3,433 | $12,600 | $41,000 |
| 1876 | S | Obverse 1, Reverse 2 | -- | $187 | $220 | $292 | $385 | $424 | $1,387 | $2,450 | $6,683 | $7,700 | -- |
| 1876 | CC | -- | -- | $714 | $830 | $1,013 | $1,610 | $2,005 | $5,990 | $18,125 | $39,300 | $89,925 | -- |
| 1876 | S | -- | -- | $224 | $268 | $334 | $443 | $537 | $1,199 | $2,250 | $3,308 | $12,100 | $38,500 |
| 1876 | CC | Obverse 1, Reverse 1 | -- | $578 | $660 | $825 | $1,320 | $2,630 | $4,730 | $13,750 | $44,300 | $69,850 | -- |
| 1876 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $233 | $279 | $348 | $457 | $567 | $1,186 | $2,305 | $3,225 | $8,610 | $28,350 |
| 1877 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $224 | $279 | $410 | $443 | $580 | $1,220 | $2,223 | $3,445 | $11,495 | $26,750 |
| 1877 | CC | -- | -- | $559 | $754 | $937 | $1,533 | $2,185 | $5,340 | $10,700 | $23,495 | $105,000 | $157,500 |
| 1877 | S | -- | -- | $224 | $268 | $334 | $443 | $537 | $1,172 | $2,129 | $3,225 | $13,995 | $17,700 |
| 1878 | S | -- | -- | $224 | $268 | $334 | $451 | $554 | $1,213 | $2,179 | $3,390 | $7,110 | $17,700 |
Trade Dollar: America’s Silver Coin for Global Commerce
Struck between 1873 and 1878, the Trade Dollar was the first U.S. coin specifically produced for international commerce, particularly in China and other Asian markets. Proof versions were struck until 1885, but only in extremely limited quantities. Created in response to the dominance of the Mexican Peso and Spanish Dollar in trade, this coin was crafted to compete in overseas silver transactions. Designed by William Barber, the Trade Dollar holds a fascinating history of fluctuating acceptance, legal battles, and eventual redemption.
An Innovative Coin with a Complicated History
As the United States expanded its global economic reach, Congress authorized the Coinage Act of 1873, which introduced the Trade Dollar as a heavier alternative to the Morgan and Seated Liberty Dollars. Weighing 420 grains of .900 fine silver, it slightly exceeded standard U.S. silver dollars, making it more competitive in foreign exchange markets.
The obverse features Lady Liberty seated on a bale of goods, extending an olive branch toward the sea, symbolizing America’s intent to engage in international trade. The reverse depicts a majestic eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch, with the inscription “420 GRAINS .900 FINE”, reinforcing its silver content for foreign merchants.
Why Collectors Pursue the Trade Dollar
The Trade Dollar stands out due to its historical significance, unique legal status, and limited production run. Initially intended for foreign markets, many Trade Dollars circulated domestically, only to be demonetized by Congress in 1876, making them an unusual case in U.S. coinage history. They were not legally recognized for transactions until their official redemption in 1887.
Collector’s Guide: Identifying Key Features
- Where to Find Them: Many circulated examples remain in Asia, while high-grade specimens are found in numismatic auctions and dealer inventories.
- What to Look For: For premium value, seek sharp strikes, minimal chop marks (merchant counter stamps), and original surfaces.
- Preservation Tips: Because Trade Dollars were often heavily used in commerce, surviving specimens should be carefully stored in certified holders to prevent further wear.
1884 and 1885 Trade Dollars
Among the most valuable coins in the series, the 1884 and 1885 Trade Dollars were struck only in proof format, with extremely limited mintage figures (fewer than 10 known examples each). These coins are considered among the rarest and most valuable U.S. silver dollars, commanding seven-figure prices at auction.
Investment Potential of the Trade Dollar
Due to its 90% silver content, short-lived production, and historic appeal, the Trade Dollar remains a strong investment in the numismatic world. While circulated examples are accessible to collectors, high-grade or proof specimens are increasingly difficult to find, making them desirable for serious investors.
Key Dates and Notable Varieties
Some of the most collectable Trade Dollars include:
- 1873-CC Trade Dollar – The first-year Carson City issue, difficult to find in high grades.
- 1878-S Trade Dollar – The last business-strike issue before the series was limited to proofs.
- 1884 and 1885 Trade Dollars – Legendary rarities, struck in extremely low numbers.
- Notable Errors: Look for doubled dies, rotated reverses, and die cracks, which can add to a coin’s numismatic appeal.
William Barber’s Impact on 19th-Century Coinage
Barber’s Trade Dollar design was one of the most detailed and symbolically rich coins of its time. Though the series ended in 1885, its influence on later U.S. coinage can be seen in the Morgan and Peace Dollars, which carried forward elements of grandeur and international economic significance.
More Than a Coin—A Piece of Global History
The Trade Dollar is more than just a numismatic curiosity. It is a window into America’s economic ambitions in the 19th century. Whether you appreciate its design, historical relevance, or rarity, this coin is a fascinating reminder of the country’s efforts to establish itself in global commerce. For collectors and investors, acquiring a Trade Dollar is about owning silver and holding a piece of international monetary history.
