1878 Trade Dollar

About This Coin

The 1878 Trade Dollar is a United States dollar from the Trade Dollars 1873-1885 series — 6th of 13 years in the series. In 1878, coins were struck at the San Francisco, Carson City, and Philadelphia Mints with a combined mintage of 4.3 million. This ranks 9th 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. The final year of business-strike production. The 1878-CC with a mintage of 97,000 (many subsequently melted) is the key circulation-strike date. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 27.2 grams, 38.1 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Produced 7 years before the celebrated 1885 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $194 to $31K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $252K in MS68 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by William Barber.