United States 1879 trade dollar
This specimen was lot 1038 in Sincona Auction 103 (Zürich, May 2026), where it sold for 3,750 CHF (about US$5,715 including buyers' fees). The catalog description[1] noted, "USA, Trade Dollar 1879, Philadelphia. PCGS PR64 CAM. CAC approved." 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: 1,541 proofs.
Specification: 27.22 g, 0.900 fine silver, 38.1 mm diameter, reeded edge.
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]Richter, Jürg, Michael Hardmeier, Michael Otto, Arne Kirsch, Ruedi Kunzmann and Timur Demirai, SINCONA Auction 103: World and Swiss coins and medals, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2026.
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