1876 Trade Dollar

About This Coin

The 1876 Trade Dollar is a United States dollar from the Trade Dollars 1873-1885 series — 4th of 13 years in the series. In 1876, coins were struck at the Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Carson City Mints with a combined mintage of 6.2 million. This ranks 10th 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. Congress revoked the Trade Dollar's legal tender status for domestic transactions, stranding millions of coins in American circulation at below face value. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 27.2 grams, 38.1 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Produced 9 years before the celebrated 1885 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $1 to $34K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $64K in MS66 grade at Bowers & Merena. Designed by William Barber.