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Struck heavier and finer than a regular silver dollar specifically to compete with Mexican and other silver trade coins in East Asian commerce, the Trade Dollar was demonetized for U.S. domestic use in 1876 after silver's price fell and merchants began redeeming them below face value. The final two years, 1884 and 1885, were struck in secret for collectors only and were unknown to the public for decades -- making them among the rarest and most valuable coins in American numismatics.
Every date below is a recognised key date or variety. Common dates from the same series are worth far less and are usually valued closer to their metal content.
How many of each were struck — the shortest bar is the scarcest date in the series.
Bars are scaled to keep the smallest mintages visible; the exact figure is printed on every row. Mintage is coins struck, not coins surviving — melting and circulation wear thin those numbers further.
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About Trade Dollar values
The 1873-S tops this series: a top-grade example is estimated around $4,796. Condition drives that figure — the same date in worn condition is worth a fraction of it, which is why each guide shows a range rather than a single number.
By mintage, the 1885 is the scarcest key date tracked here, with 5 struck. Mintage is coins struck rather than coins surviving, though — melting and circulation wear thin those numbers further, so survival estimates run lower still.
This guide covers 3 key dates and varieties from the Trade Dollar series (1873–1885). Common dates from the same series are worth far less and are usually valued closer to their metal content.
Grading takes practice, and the gap between adjacent grades is real money on a key date. Compare your coin against the photographs on each date's page, and for anything potentially valuable consider having it certified by PCGS or NGC — a graded coin settles both authenticity and condition in one step.
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Every US series with key dates priced here.
