Trade Dollar

The Trade Dollar coin is a silver United States dollar coin first minted in 1873. Similar to the Eagle, Half Eagle, and Half Dollar coins, the Trade Dollar was intended to compete in the Asian market, and it is recognized as a legitimate coin in the U.S., although it is not a legal tender.

The silver Trade Dollar had a long history and was produced until 1885. Initially, it was minted with a purity of 90% silver and weighed 420 grains, making it heavier than the regular silver dollar and lighter than the gold Eagle coin. It was inscribed with a new phrase, “In God We Trust”, that later became the motto of the United States.

The Trade Dollar was intended to be used in international trade, buying goods and services from countries such as China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Its weight and purity gave it an advantage over other currencies and it became known as the “Persian dollar” due to its success in the region.

The design of the Trade Dollar features a Liberty head on the obverse and an eagle with outstretched wings on the reverse. The coins were initially struck only in Philadelphia, but from 1876 production was expanded to San Francisco, Carson City, and New Orleans.

The Trade Dollar was discontinued in 1885 due to increasing counterfeiting of the coins and the import of trade silver to the U.S. The last Trade Dollar coin was minted in 1878, with a total of 18 million Trade Dollars having been produced.

The Trade Dollar is popular with collectors, and there are several varieties that can be found, including the Uncirculated Trade Dollar, which can be found in both Proof and Uncirculated condition, as well as Mint State versions. Prices for these coins range from several dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on their condition.

Overall, the Trade Dollar is an interesting and valuable coin that is sought after by many coin collectors. It is an important part of the U.S. coinage history, and it provides a unique look into the country's trade relations in the late 19th century.