1871 Nickel Patterns

About This Coin

The 1871 Nickel Patterns is a United States nickel from the Trade Dollar Era Patterns (1871-1873) series. The obverse features Liberty seated facing left, holding an olive branch extended to the viewer, with a sheaf of wheat behind, while the reverse displays an eagle perched on a bale of goods, with an olive branch and three arrows. Designed by William Barber. The Trade Dollar was created specifically for commerce with Asia, designed to compete with the Mexican peso in the silver markets of China and Japan. At 420 grains (vs. 412.5 for the Seated Liberty Dollar), it was heavier to meet Asian merchants' expectations. Originally legal tender, this status was revoked in 1876, stranding millions of Trade Dollars in domestic circulation at below face value. Proof-only dates from 1879-1885 include the legendary 1884 and 1885 Trade Dollars, known only in proof. The 1878-CC is scarce. Chopmarked examples (bearing Asian merchants' stamps) are collected as a separate specialty.