United States 1877-S trade dollar
This specimen was lot 1638 in Jean Elsen sale 165 (Brussels, June 2026), where it sold for €500 (about US$689 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ÉTATS-UNIS, AR trade dollar, 1877 S, San Francisco. Le droit nettoyé. Coup sur la tranche. Très Beau. (United States, silver trade dollar of 1877, San Francisco mint. Obverse cleaned, edge nick, Very Fine.)"
This type, struck 1873-85 in large quantities, is available in circulated condition. Its sponsors in Congress never intended it to circulate in the United States, it being a convenient method of dumping unwanted silver in China. Initially accepted there, it glutted the market and began to return to the United States, where its bullion value was now below its face value, creating a nuisance to trade. Authorities ceased mintage for circulation after 1878, but the damage was done.
Recorded mintage: 9,519,000 (highest mintage date).
Specification: 27.22 g, 0.900 fine silver, 38.1 mm diameter, reeded edge, designed by William Barber.
Catalog reference: KM 108.
- Alexander, David T., Coin World Comprehensive Catalog & Encyclopedia of United States Coins, Sidney, OH: Amos Press, 1995.
- Breen, Walter H., Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia of U. S. and Colonial Coins, New York: Doubleday, 1987.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Yeoman, R. S., and Kenneth Bressett (ed.), A Guide Book of United States Coins, 65th Ed., Atlanta, GA: Whitman Publishing, 2011.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 165, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2026.
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