1881 Trade Dollar
Base
About This Coin
The 1881 Trade Dollar is a United States dollar from the Trade Dollars 1873-1885 series — 9th of 13 years in the series. In 1881, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 960. This ranks 3rd 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. Struck during the Gilded Age of rapid industrialization and the great silver debates, when monetary policy shaped elections and economic destiny. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 27.2 grams, 38.1 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Produced 4 years before the celebrated 1885 key date. Estimated market value across variants is approximately $4.3K. A notable auction result reached $39K in PR67 grade at Superior Galleries. Designed by William Barber.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — range across all strike types, reflecting typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.