1428

1880 Trade $1

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:3,400.00 USD Estimated At:NA
1880 Trade $1
1880 Trade Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 65. CAC Approved PQ. Housed in an Old Green Holder. Only 1,987 pieces struck. Pop 60; 28 finer. Lovely multicolor toning.

In an attempt to obtain the best possible design for the new Trade Dollar, Mint Director Linderman used a provision of the new Coinage Act of 1873 to hire outside artists. There were several patterns made for the 1873 trade dollar, but in the end Linderman chose one by Chief Engraver William Barber. The adopted design had the familiar figure of a seated Liberty, but in a somewhat different pose from the regular coinage. There was a great deal of ceremony connected with the first trade dollar coinage, and business strike mintage was heavy for quite some time. Most of the 1873 coinage did go to the Orient, as intended in the legislation, but by 1874 the ever-declining world price of silver made it advantageous to dump many of the trade dollars on the American domestic market for whatever they would bring. After 1878, only Proofs were issued to supply a hearty band of numismatists. The series ended (officially) with the 1883-dated coins.

A splendid Gem specimen with silver-blue (almost electric blue) and lavender color at the periphery, giving way to iridescent lighter shades inward. Among Proof Trade Dollars, those dated in the 1880s are the most easily found in Gem Proof; in terms of high numerical grade desirability and true eye appeal, collectors often choose these. This coin sails through with flying colors and will no doubt be a "must have" item for anyone who has been searching for such a piece for a long time (PCGS # 7060) .
Estimated Value $7,000 - 7,500.

Provenance: Ex: Superior Auction October 1995 Lot 669.