Design and Specifications of the Trade Dollar

The Trade Dollar was created specifically for trade with East Asian countries, particularly China. It was slightly heavier than standard silver dollars to compete with other trade coins in the region. Although intended for international commerce, it was also legal tender in the United States until 1876.
Weight 27.2 grams
Diameter 38.1 mm
Mint Marks CC (Carson City), S (San Francisco), P (Philadelphia, no mint mark)
Composition 90% silver, 10% copper
Obverse Design Seated Liberty figure holding olive branch and scroll, designed by William Barber
Reverse Design Eagle with wings spread, holding arrows and olive branch, designed by William Barber
Years of Minting 1873-1885

Collectibility and Rare Varieties

The condition of Trade Dollars significantly impacts their value, with uncirculated specimens commanding premium prices. Proof issues, particularly from later years, are extremely rare and valuable. Some Trade Dollars were counterstamped by merchants, adding historical interest and potential value to these pieces.
1884 10 proof coins minted; highly sought after by collectors
1885 5 proof coins minted; extremely rare and valuable
1876-CC 509,000 minted; scarce in higher grades
1878-CC 97,000 minted; one of the rarest dates in the series
1875-S/CC Overdate variety; rare and valuable

Explore Trade Dollar Values by Year

1873 1874 1875 1876 1877 1878 1879 1880 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885

Most Valuable Trade Dollar

This section highlights the most valuable coins in the series, based on PCGS price guides. The table shows price ranges for each coin in various conditions.

Coin Name Circulated Price Uncirculated Price
1884 Trade Dollar (Proof) $325,000.00 –
1873 Trade Dollar (Regular Strike) $100.00 – $1,850.00 –
1877 Trade Dollar (Regular Strike) $100.00 – $1,100.00 –
1884 Trade Dollar, CAM (Proof) – $650,000.00 – $1,550,000.00
1876 Trade Dollar (Regular Strike) $100.00 – $1,100.00 –
1878-S Trade Dollar (Regular Strike) $100.00 – $1,100.00 –
1875 Trade Dollar (Regular Strike) $225.00 – $3,100.00 –
1877-S Trade Dollar (Regular Strike) $100.00 – $1,100.00 –
1874 Trade Dollar (Regular Strike) $100.00 – $1,350.00 –
1885 Trade Dollar (Proof) – $1,250,000.00 – $3,500,000.00
1876-S Trade Dollar (Regular Strike) $125.00 – $1,100.00 –
1879 Trade Dollar (Proof) $1,050.00 – $2,350.00 –
1874-S Trade Dollar (Regular Strike) $125.00 – $1,100.00 –
1875-S Trade Dollar (Regular Strike) $100.00 – $1,100.00 –
1875-CC Trade Dollar (Regular Strike) $200.00 – $3,250.00 –
1878 Trade Dollar (Proof) $1,050.00 – $2,350.00 –
1877-CC Trade Dollar (Regular Strike) $450.00 – $5,500.00 –
1873 Trade Dollar (Proof) $1,050.00 – $2,350.00 –
1882 Trade Dollar (Proof) $1,050.00 – $2,350.00 –
1877 Trade Dollar (Proof) $1,050.00 – $2,350.00 –
1885 Trade Dollar, CAM (Proof) – $2,150,000.00 – $4,250,000.00
1873-S Trade Dollar (Regular Strike) $100.00 – $2,500.00 –
1874-CC Trade Dollar (Regular Strike) $175.00 – $2,850.00 –
1876-CC Trade Dollar (Regular Strike) $250.00 – $5,000.00 –
1873-CC Trade Dollar (Regular Strike) $400.00 – $9,000.00 –
1879 Trade Dollar, CAM (Proof) – $2,800.00 – $120,000.00
1878-CC Trade Dollar (Regular Strike) $750.00 – $20,000.00 –
1883 Trade Dollar (Proof) $1,050.00 – $2,350.00 –
1875-S/CC Trade Dollar (Regular Strike) $900.00 – $5,000.00 –
1882 Trade Dollar, DCAM (Proof) – $3,100.00 – $185,000.00
1876 Trade Dollar (Proof) $1,900.00 – $2,350.00 –
1883 Trade Dollar, DCAM (Proof) – $3,100.00 – $35,000.00
1874 Trade Dollar (Proof) $1,050.00 – $2,350.00 –
1875 Trade Dollar (Proof) $1,050.00 – $2,350.00 –
1880 Trade Dollar (Proof) $1,050.00 – $2,350.00 –
1881 Trade Dollar (Proof) $1,050.00 – $2,350.00 –
1873-CC Trade Dollar FS-301 MPD (Regular Strike) $3,000.00 – $6,500.00 –
1875-S/CC Trade Dollar FS-501 OMM (Regular Strike) $900.00 – $5,000.00 –
1876 Trade Dollar, PL (Regular Strike) – $3,500.00
1876 Trade Dollar Obv 1 Rev 1 (Regular Strike) $600.00 – $1,250.00 –
1876 Trade Dollar Obverse 1, Reverse 2 (Regular Strike) $500.00 – $550.00 –
1876-CC Trade Dollar Type-I/II (Regular Strike) – $12,500.00
1876-CC Trade Dollar FS-801 DDR (Regular Strike) $450.00 – $7,000.00 –
1877 Trade Dollar, PL (Regular Strike) – $3,500.00 – $8,500.00
1877-S Trade Dollar, PL (Regular Strike) – $3,000.00 – $4,500.00
1873 Trade Dollar, CAM (Proof) – $2,800.00 – $90,000.00
1873 Trade Dollar, DCAM (Proof) – $6,500.00 – $22,500.00
1874 Trade Dollar, CAM (Proof) – $2,800.00 – $52,500.00
1874 Trade Dollar, DCAM (Proof) – $7,250.00 – $45,000.00
1875 Trade Dollar, CAM (Proof) – $2,800.00 – $24,500.00
1875 Trade Dollar, DCAM (Proof) – $3,100.00 – $23,500.00
1876 Trade Dollar, CAM (Proof) – $2,800.00 – $52,500.00
1876 Trade Dollar, DCAM (Proof) – $7,250.00 – $25,000.00
1877 Trade Dollar, CAM (Proof) – $2,800.00 – $56,500.00
1877 Trade Dollar, DCAM (Proof) – $3,100.00 – $75,000.00
1878 Trade Dollar, CAM (Proof) – $2,800.00 – $175,000.00
1878 Trade Dollar, DCAM (Proof) – $6,250.00 – $40,000.00
1879 Trade Dollar, DCAM (Proof) – $7,250.00 – $140,000.00
1880 Trade Dollar, CAM (Proof) – $2,800.00 – $120,000.00
1880 Trade Dollar, DCAM (Proof) – $7,250.00 – $140,000.00
1881 Trade Dollar, CAM (Proof) – $2,800.00 – $120,000.00
1881 Trade Dollar, DCAM (Proof) – $3,100.00 – $140,000.00
1882 Trade Dollar, CAM (Proof) – $2,800.00 – $160,000.00
1883 Trade Dollar, CAM (Proof) – $2,800.00 – $120,000.00

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Chris McPherson is a lifelong collector turned shop owner who opened ChrisMcPherson's Souvenir Shop in 2005. With over 20 years as a professional antique dealer and appraiser, Chris expertly curates a selection of the most unique political, pop culture, and historic collectibles available. His passion is hunting one-of-a-kind artifacts and sharing the fascinating stories behind them. Chris graduated with a BA in American History, informing his specialty in political memorabilia. As a seasoned antique hunter, Chris utilizes his skills to deliver an ever-changing inventory of must-see relics and conversation pieces to his shop.

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