1879 Proof Trade Dollar
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Value as of May 2026, from the one price recorded for this coin. Actual sales can differ. Compare recent sales of similar coins for a closer estimate.
Auction Record
- Price realized
- $50,600
- Sold
- Grade
- PR68
- Auction house
- American Numismatic Rarities
Description
The 1879 Proof Trade Dollar is a proof dollar struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Trade Dollars 1873-1885 series. The Philadelphia Mint struck 1,541 proof trade dollars dated 1879. 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. Designed by William Barber. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 27.22 grams, 38.1 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #7059. 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. Trade dollars dated 1879 to 1885 were struck only as proofs, and the Mint never sold the 1884 and 1885 pieces. Chopmarked examples (bearing Asian merchants' stamps) are collected as a separate specialty.
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