Designed by: William Barber
Issue Dates: 1873-1885
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Diameter: 38.1 mm
Weight: 27.21 grams (419.91 grains)
Edge: Reeded
Proof Mintage: 11,404
The Trade Dollar was first minted in 1873 in response to the need for a coin to compete with the Mexican "dollar" in the Orient. Weighing 420 grains, or slightly heavier than a standard silver dollar, the Trade Dollar was intended for export only. The obverse depicts Miss Liberty seated on a bale, of merchandise, her right hand holding a branch, her left hand holding a ribbon inscribed LIBERTY, a sheaf of wheat behind, and the sea in front. IN GOD WE TRUST appears at the bottom just above the date. Stars surround the upper portion. The reverse depicts an eagle holding three arrows and a branch, with E PLURIBUS UNUM on a ribbon above, 420 GRAINS, 900 FINE. below. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and TRADE DOLLAR surrounds.
The numismatist today can readily secure a Trade Dollar in grades from Fine through AU. Some pieces have chopmarks consisting of Oriental characters impressed by bankers and merchants when the pieces circulated in the Orient. Uncirculated coins are scarce, and superb Uncirculated pieces are rare. Proofs exist in proportion to their original mintages and are primarily available from the years from 1879 through 1883.
