United States Trade Dollar

United States · 1873-1885

A silver dollar featuring Liberty seated on the obverse holding an olive branch and a shield, and an eagle on the reverse surrounded by the inscriptions TRADE DOLLAR, 420 GRAINS, and 900 FINE.

Country: United States
Year: 1873-1885
Denomination: One Dollar ($1)
Metal: 90% Silver, 10% Copper

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified August 26, 2026More united states coins →

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Overview

A silver dollar featuring Liberty seated on the obverse holding an olive branch and a shield, and an eagle on the reverse surrounded by the inscriptions TRADE DOLLAR, 420 GRAINS, and 900 FINE.

Historical significance

Minted specifically to compete with Mexican silver pesos and other trade coins in Asian markets, particularly China, where they were heavily used. They were initially legal tender in the US, but this status was revoked in 1876 due to an influx of them being bought back domestically at a discount.

Obverse (front)

Seated Liberty facing left, holding an olive branch in her right hand and a banner inscribed LIBERTY in her left hand, resting her shield. Surrounded by thirteen stars with the date at the bottom.

Reverse (back)

An American eagle facing left, clutching arrows and an olive branch, with the inscription 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' above, 'TRADE DOLLAR' across the center, and '420 GRAINS. 900 FINE.' below.

Estimated value

$150-$500 for circulated examples; $1,000-$5,000+ for uncirculated or rare mint marks.

What drives this coin's value

Condition, presence of rare mint marks (like the 1873-CC or 1878-CC), proof-only status for later years (1879-1885), and chopmarks (counterstamps applied by Asian merchants, which can reduce or sometimes add quirky value depending on collector preference).

Grade assessment

Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated (difficult to precisely grade from photos alone due to lighting, but details on both Liberty and the eagle remain strong with minor wear on the high points).

Mintage & rarity

Scarce to rare. Mintages varied widely, with business strikes ranging from a few thousand to several million depending on the year and mint, and proof-only issues in later years.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Trade dollars are heavily counterfeited, especially issues originating from China or modern cast replicas. Check exact weight (must be close to 27.22g), dimensions, and magnetic properties (should be non-magnetic). Look for crisp details and authentic surfaces.

Notable varieties & errors

1873 CC with 'CC' on obverse (rare error), various doubled die varieties, and chopmarked pieces.

Similar coins

Seated Liberty Dollar, Morgan Dollar

Care & preservation

Handle only by the edges using clean cotton or microfiber gloves. Never clean, polish, or wash the coin, as this significantly reduces its numismatic value. Store in a stable, low-humidity environment using PVC-free holders or coin capsules.