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Towards the end of the 19th century a number of major economic powers issued "crown"-type coins of special weight and value for use in commerce with countries in the Far East. The US created its own "crown" coin called a Trade Dollar to be able to participate in the lucrative markets that were developing as Japan and China opened their economies to the West.

Trade dollars were slightly heavier than standard silver dollars (27.2 gm vs. 26.7) and were inscribed with their weight and purity, in much the same way that modern bullion coins have similar wording, as a way to advertise their intrinsic value. Many trade dollars also bear "chop marks" which are counterstamps added in Asia to certify the coins as genuine.

Circulation trade dollars were only minted during the years 1873-1878. When the price of silver collapsed the government stopped production except for proof versions sold to collectors; these continued until 1885.

Counterfeits

Trade dollars proved to be very popular in the Far East and carry with them an aura of romance and history. As a result many millions of fakes have been produced over the years. Some are nearly perfect copies so if you have a Trade Dollar it's very important to have it authenticated.

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Related Questions

How can you tell an 1884 trade dollar?

The words Trade Dollar are on the reverse of the coins.


What is the value of a 1926 British Trade Dollar?

There was no 1926 British "Trade Dollar" minted.


How do you tell if a coin is a trade dollar or a Morgan?

On the front of a Trade Dollar it has Lady Liberty seated facing the left and on the back below the eagle TRADE DOLLAR. A Morgan Dollar has the head of Lady Liberty on the front.


How would you know if it is a trade dollar?

Look at the reverse for the phrase TRADE DOLLAR under the eagle.


What is value of 1798 trade dollar?

The first Trade Dollars are dated 1873. If this coin is a Trade Dollar dated 1798 it's counterfeit.


What is value of an 1798 trade dollar?

The first Trade Dollars are dated 1873. If this coin is a Trade Dollar dated 1798 it's counterfeit.


What were uses for an 1877 trade dollar coin?

They were intended to be used in Asia to compete with coins of other countries for trade, hence the name Trade Dollar.


What is the value of an 1795 trade dollar?

A US Trade Dollar dated 1795 is a fake, they were struck from 1873-1885


How do you know your trade dollar is real?

Check the weight. A real trade dollar should weigh 27.2 grams.


What is difference between trade dollar and liberty seated?

Aside from the minor differences in design, the greatest difference between the US Trade Dollar and the Seated Liberty Dollar is the weight. The Liberty Seated Dollar weighs 26.73 grams while the US Trade Dollar weighs 27.22 grams. Both contained 90% silver and 10% copper altthough the Trade Dollar had slightly more silver in it. The Trade Dollar was issued primarily for circulation in the Orient while the Seated Liberty Dollar was issued for circulation in the USA.


What is the value of trade dollar 1876 bronz?

If you've got a bronze trade dollar coin, it is a fake. Real trade dollars were made out of silver, not bronze.


What is the value of a 1865 Libery Trade Dollar?

No such (genuine) coin exists, the first US trade dollar was struck in 1873.