1878 (S) Trade Dollar
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026, from published price guides and, in some cases, recorded auction sales. For most coins the range runs from a well-worn example (around G-4) to an uncirculated one, but individual coins can sell for more or less depending on grade, eye appeal and demand. Compare recent sales of similar coins for a closer estimate.
Auction Record
- Price realized
- $252,000
- Sold
- Grade
- MS68
- Auction house
- Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1878 (S) Trade Dollar, struck at the San Francisco Mint, is part of the Trade Dollars 1873-1885 collection. The San Francisco Mint struck 4,162,000 trade dollars dated 1878. The obverse shows Liberty seated on bales of goods and facing left, an olive branch in her outstretched hand and a sheaf of wheat behind her, and the reverse shows an eagle holding three arrows and an olive branch above the inscription 420 GRAINS, 900 FINE. The final year of business-strike production. Of the 97,000 trade dollars struck at Carson City in 1878, NGC records that 44,148 were never released and were destroyed in July 1878. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 27.22 grams, 38.1 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #7048.
External References
Error Varieties
No listings found
This category doesn't have any child listings yet.
Other Strike Types in This Series
Collector Essentials
Tools and references for building and protecting your coin collection.
10x-20x Jeweler's Loupe
A must-have for examining coin details, mint marks, and surface quality
Red Book — Guide to U.S. Coins
The essential annual reference for U.S. coin values, history, and mintages
Coin Albums & Storage
Archival-quality albums and holders to protect and display your collection
USB Digital Microscope
Capture detailed images for documentation and community submissions
As an Amazon Associate, NumisDex earns from qualifying purchases.