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 | -- | $224 | $266 | $367 | $586 | $725 | $1,578 | $3,278 | $5,310 | $13,495 | $64,995 |
| 1873 | S | -- | -- | $273 | $343 | $520 | $700 | $955 | $2,035 | $3,955 | $4,980 | $28,500 | $52,000 |
| 1873 | CC | -- | -- | $705 | $1,068 | $1,360 | $2,820 | $3,635 | $8,740 | $23,500 | $49,750 | $139,750 | -- |
| 1874 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $224 | $271 | $352 | $561 | $650 | $1,273 | $2,780 | $3,900 | $12,175 | $65,000 |
| 1874 | CC | -- | -- | $421 | $515 | $703 | $1,198 | $1,535 | $2,710 | $6,250 | $35,995 | $54,750 | $101,000 |
| 1874 | S | -- | -- | $219 | $260 | $321 | $430 | $515 | $1,093 | $2,185 | $3,790 | $21,725 | -- |
| 1875 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $429 | $545 | $830 | $1,323 | $1,660 | $2,725 | $4,425 | $8,328 | $19,650 | $42,600 |
| 1875 | CC | -- | -- | $415 | $548 | $717 | $1,065 | $1,300 | $3,070 | $5,228 | $9,900 | $36,500 | $103,750 |
| 1875 | S | -- | -- | $219 | $260 | $321 | $430 | $515 | $1,093 | $1,785 | $2,490 | $7,860 | $21,450 |
| 1875 | S | Obverse 2, Reverse 2 | -- | -- | -- | -- | $450 | $600 | $1,100 | $2,250 | $3,500 | -- | -- |
| 1876 | S | Obverse 1, Reverse 1 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $2,250 | $3,500 | -- | -- |
| 1876 | S | Obverse 1, Reverse 2 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | $3,000 | $10,000 | -- | -- |
| 1876 | CC | -- | -- | $714 | $830 | $1,013 | $1,535 | $2,005 | $6,365 | $18,125 | $39,300 | $84,925 | -- |
| 1876 | S | -- | -- | $219 | $260 | $321 | $430 | $515 | $995 | $1,923 | $2,573 | $11,350 | $33,500 |
| 1876 | CC | Obverse 1, Reverse 1 | -- | $578 | $660 | $825 | $1,320 | $2,630 | $4,730 | $13,750 | $39,300 | $69,850 | -- |
| 1876 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $228 | $271 | $336 | $444 | $542 | $1,107 | $2,005 | $2,600 | $7,860 | $27,100 |
| 1877 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $219 | $271 | $321 | $430 | $558 | $1,140 | $1,923 | $2,820 | $10,995 | $26,000 |
| 1877 | CC | -- | -- | $520 | $675 | $872 | $1,453 | $2,075 | $5,340 | $10,870 | $21,150 | $92,900 | $130,000 |
| 1877 | S | -- | -- | $219 | $260 | $321 | $430 | $515 | $1,093 | $1,785 | $2,490 | $10,495 | $21,450 |
| 1878 | S | -- | -- | $219 | $260 | $321 | $420 | $515 | $1,093 | $1,785 | $2,490 | $7,860 | $21,450 |
Description and History
The U.S. Trade Dollar, minted from 1873 to 1878, was a strategic response by the United States to facilitate trade in East Asia, competing with the widely accepted Mexican 8 Reale. The Trade Dollar contained 420 grains (27.22 grams) of silver to match the Mexican peso’s appeal in international markets. This initiative was driven by the necessity for American merchants to trade with nations like China and Japan without the disadvantage posed by the weight discrepancy in silver content.
Authorized by the Coinage Act of 1873, the Trade Dollar was distinct from domestic coins like the Morgan Silver Dollar, primarily serving as a currency for international commerce rather than domestic circulation. It was minted at various U.S. Mint facilities, including Philadelphia, Carson City, and San Francisco.
Initially, the Trade Dollar was legal tender in the United States, but its primary purpose was for overseas commerce. However, by 1876, its legal tender status was revoked for domestic transactions over $5 due to its increasing use within the U.S. and the resulting confusion and problems this caused in daily transactions. This led to a surplus of Trade Dollars within the U.S., prompting many to be melted down or exported.
The design of the Trade Dollar was the work of William Barber, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint at the time. The obverse represents Liberty seated on a bale of merchandise, extending her hand over the ocean—a symbolic gesture towards the international markets. The reverse showcases an eagle clutching three arrows and an olive branch, signifying peace and readiness. Unlike most U.S. coinage, where the eagle’s head faces the olive branch, the Trade Dollar’s eagle looks towards the arrows, symbolizing strength and preparedness for commerce.
Despite production challenges leading to adjustments in the coin’s relief in 1874, the minting of circulation strikes concluded in 1878, with proof varieties minted until 1883. A few proofs dated 1884 and 1885 were discovered in 1908, though not officially recorded.
Today, these coins are sought after by collectors for their historical significance, unique design, and rarity, reflecting an intriguing chapter in the history of U.S. coinage and international trade.