Dazzling 1881 Trade Dollar NGC PR67 Cameo

The Trade dollar was not produced in business-strike format after 1878, but the Philadelphia Mint coined a limited number of proof coins every year to satisfy collector demand. This led to a short-lived speculation in Trade dollars that crested early in 1880, leading to a series-record proof mintage of 1,987 pieces that year. By 1881, the demand had dropped off considerably, and only 960 proof Trade dollars were struck. In addition to the smaller mintage, the 1881 issue was plagued by poor workmanship, and most examples seen show areas of flatness on Liberty’s head and the upper stars, due to improper spacing of the dies. One of the reverse dies was lapped, resulting in a loss of detail in the eagle’s feathers. Few examples show the desirable Cameo effect. This particular survivor is color-free, with clear, deeply reflective mirrors and loads of eye-appeal.

The NGC population is 11 with 3 graded higher.  

Offered at $19,620 (ACH, Bank Wire, add 3.5% for Major CC & PayPal)

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1884 Trade Dollar PCGS PR63

Truly Fabled Rarity

The 1884 Trade dollar is a coin that needs no introduction. Numismatists can quote the number of extant examples and probably relate one or two facts concerning the production and history of this issue. The true story is, however, not widely known. The reason for this is clear: popular numismatic references either state explicitly or strongly imply that this issue was created clandestinely by parties within the Mint, at night, and perhaps at a later date, for coin dealer William K. Idler. However, much of this traditional “wisdom” is erroneous. Archival research proves that the 1884 Trade dollar was struck officially, under the supervision of Mint officials, and recent findings suggest Idler was not the original owner/distributor of the coins.  According to the Fourteenth Annual Report of the Director of the Mint, page 126, there were 264 proof Trade dollars struck in 1884. These coins were delivered to the cashier on January 19. It seems likely that Superintendent Colonel A. Loudon Snowden acquired ten examples from this delivery by exchanging the equivalent amount of coin or bullion for them, a practice that was legal for Mint employees until the 1930s. Shortly thereafter, the Treasury Department sent orders to the Mint forbidding production of proof Trade dollars for sale to collectors and the remaining 254 coins were destroyed. Philadelphia Mint officials later denied any Trade dollars were struck in 1884 and their existence was largely unknown until the early 20th century.

Offered at $420,000 delivered

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1874-CC Trade Dollar PCGS MS64

A Virtually White Blazer

Nearly the entire mintage of 1.3 million 1874-CC Trade dollars was exported to East Asia, where the coins could still be found in circulation as recently as the 1940s. This is the most commonly encountered issue with chop marks, yet it is one of the most elusive dates in high Mint State grades. Near-Gems are rare and Gems are extremely rare, as few coins were saved for numismatic purposes. Considerably more lustrous and flashier when viewed in hand. Only eight have been graded higher at PCGS, half of those being MS64+ representatives. 

Offered at $17,250 delivered

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(800) 257.3253
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1880 Trade Dollar NGC PR67

Sensationally Superb

No Trade dollars were produced for circulation after 1878, but the Philadelphia Mint continued to strike proofs for collectors until 1884. When collectors and dealers became aware of the proof-only status of the denomination a popular speculation in the proofs sprang up. The increased demand resulted in a record mintage of 1,987 proof Trade dollars in 1880. Although the speculation peaked in March, and subsided after that, the Mint continued to strike proofs throughout the year. Looking and this coin in hand and comparing it to our images, we must say – a picture isn’t always worth 1000 words. In actuality, this example boasts light to medium pink and golden centers encircled by luscious violet and blue-green borders. Said differently, ignore the pictures! No non-CAM/UCAM’s have been graded higher by NGC.

Offered at 15,500 delivered

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1875-S/CC Trade Dollar NGC MS64

Scarce, Glistening “Trade”

Type One Reverse. Many collectors are unaware there are two varieties of S/CC Trade dollars from 1875. This is the more frequently encountered one and the variant that is much easier to see with the second C widely spaced from the S. Most collectors opt for this variant for the very reason of its visibility, not to mention the extreme rarity of the other variety and need for a high-powered loupe. After the S/CC was first discovered in 1965 it was quickly noticed just how scarce it was in better grades. It is much scarcer than the 1875 S-mint or the CC-mint, especially in strictly Uncirculated condition. In hand, this specimen exhibits obvious cartwheel luster on each side. Tied with one other for highest graded by NGC.

Offered at $10,925 delivered

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1873-CC Trade Dollar PCGS MS64

Seeing Double “C”s on a Rare “Trade”

The Trade dollar represented the first substantial silver dollar mintage at the Carson City Mint since its opening in 1870. The 1873-CC, struck to the extent of 124,500 coins, eclipsed the mintages of all four Seated dollars from this mint combined by more than 100,000 pieces. Nevertheless, this was the second-lowest production total from Carson City for the Trade dollar series, trailing only the 1878-CC (97,000 coins). This coin is considerably more lustrous, as well as more colorful in hand. Tied with seven others at this grade level with just a single example graded higher.

Offered at $41,400 delivered

We do business the old fashioned way, we speak with you.

(800) 257.3253
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Private, Portable, Divisible Wealth Storage

Price is based on payment via ACH, Bank Wire Transfer or Personal Check.
Major Credit Cards Accepted, add 3.5%
Offer subject to availability.