1879 Trade Dollar

About This Coin

The 1879 Trade Dollar is a United States dollar from the Trade Dollars 1873-1885 series — 7th of 13 years in the series. In 1879, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 1,541. This ranks 6th of 13 years by total mintage, below 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 proof-only year — no business strikes were produced. From this point forward, Trade Dollars were struck solely for collectors. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 27.2 grams, 38.1 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Produced 6 years before the celebrated 1885 key date. Estimated market value across variants is approximately $4.3K. A notable auction result reached $51K in PR68 grade at American Numismatic Rarities. Designed by William Barber.