Trade Dollars 1873 to 1885

The Trade Dollars were produced by the United States Mint from 1873 to 1885. This Trade Dollar was issued for circulation in the Orient to compete with dollar size coins of other countries. It's weighed 420 grains compaired to 412 1/2 grains, the weight of regular silver dollars. 420 grains and .900 fine can be found on the coin.

At first glance, the trade dollar looks much like a regular silver dollar. It’s the same diameter and about the same weight as its predecessor, the Seated Liberty dollar is similar: a seated female figure representing Liberty on the obverse and a naturalistic eagle on the reverse—designs prepared by Mint Chief Engraver William Barber.