Description:
The 1877-S Trade Dollar is a classic 19th-century U.S. silver dollar struck at the San Francisco Mint. Designed by William Barber, the Trade Dollar was created for use in Asian commerce, reflecting America’s expanding influence in global trade during the late 1800s. This example, graded as AU Details (Buffed/Polished), shows strong design definition and underlying luster, though the surfaces have been brightened from past cleaning or polishing. Despite this, it remains a visually appealing and historic piece of early U.S. silver coinage.
Specifications:
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Denomination: Trade Dollar ($1)
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Year of Issue: 1877
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Mint: San Francisco (“S” mintmark)
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Designer: William Barber
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Series: Trade Dollar (1873–1885)
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Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
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Diameter: 38.1 mm
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Weight: 27.22 grams
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Grade: AU Details (Buffed/Polished)
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Certification: Raw (uncertified, sold as is)
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Holder: Archival flip
Highlights:
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1877-S Trade Dollar graded AU Details (Buffed/Polished)
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Struck at the San Francisco Mint in .900 fine silver
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Designed by William Barber, Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint
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Obverse: Liberty seated on a bale of goods, holding an olive branch
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Reverse: Eagle clutching arrows and olive branch, “TRADE DOLLAR” and weight inscriptions
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Strong remaining detail and brightened surfaces from past polishing
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Affordable high-grade example of an early U.S. silver type coin
Historical Note:
The Trade Dollar was first authorized in 1873 as a silver coin intended for international use, particularly in trade with China. With a higher silver content than the standard silver dollar, it competed effectively with foreign trade coins such as the Mexican 8 Reales. The 1877-S issue was among the largest struck, with many pieces used overseas and later melted. Today, survivors like this AU Details example remain prized for their history and distinctive design, even when showing signs of cleaning or polishing.
Searching for more early U.S. silver dollars or Trade Dollar varieties? Contact us — we carry a curated selection of 19th-century silver coinage and historic U.S. type coins.
