1873 Trade Dollar
Base
About This Coin
The 1873 Trade Dollar is a United States dollar from the Trade Dollars 1873-1885 series — the first year of the series. In 1873, coins were struck at the San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Carson City Mints with a combined mintage of 1.2 million. This ranks 8th of 13 years by total mintage, above the series median of 1,987. The obverse features Liberty seated facing left, holding an olive branch extended to the viewer, with a sheaf of wheat behind and the reverse displays an eagle perched on a bale of goods, with an olive branch and three arrows. First year of the Trade Dollar, authorized under the Coinage Act of 1873 to compete with the Mexican peso in Asian silver markets. At 420 grains, it was deliberately heavier than the standard silver dollar. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 27.2 grams, 38.1 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Across its variants, estimated values range from $244 to $31K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $81K in MS64 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by William Barber.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — range across all strike types, reflecting typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
