The 1880 hails from a mintage of 1,987 pieces, all of which are Proofs since the Mint ceased producing circulation strike trade dollars in 1878 on the orders of Treasury Secretary John Sherman. The series in its entirety would come to an official end in 1883, the famous 1884 and 1885 rarities being struck clandestinely. Proof trade dollars, minted from 1873 through 1883, then in reduced numbers for the next two years, have been a longtime favorite with collectors. Generally, those from 1879 through 1883 are more available than are those of earlier dates. The bump in the production of the 1880 Proof trade dollar is caused by a flurry of investment speculation, in late 1879 and early 1880. The passion quickly faded. Likely, many of the pieces bought by investors were later turned in for bullion. Today, relatively few superb gem examples survive.

The example to the left was sold by Stack's Bowers Galleries in the Blue Moon Collection, Part I, where it realized $21,150.