
A VAM MAN'S SHORT GUIDE TO TRADE DOLLARS
If you have
been reading my blogs for a while, you will know that I usually blog about VAMs
and Civil War currency. Not exclusively but usually. Lately I started a US Type
coin album, Dansco #7070. This has led me back to basics on learning about
coins I usually don't collect. This blog is about one of those coins. It is
about, the often maligned, Trade Dollars.
The coin I bought a few days ago from my regular dealer is a 1877-S Trade Dollar. Now I do have one other but is a high dollar example. In fact it is an ex-Eric P. Newman/Col. Green example. This one is a circulated example. It still wasn't cheap. I guess it's just a little bit expensive type.
The first thing I discovered, by looking this one up, is that there are two types in the series. My coin appears to be the second type. This means there is no berry under the eagles left talon. Also the arrowhead ends over the 2 in 420. The obverse scroll points downward and Miss Liberty has four fingers on her extended hand.
The Trade Dollar was made in 1873-1885. It was issued to compete with other nation's coinage in trade with Asia, mostly the Reale and Peso. That is the reason the mint included the weight, in grains, on the reverse. Some examples have "chop marks" on them. These are counter stamps that were put on the coin by Asian traders to show they certify the weight as true and sometimes they were used to advertise their stores. Some people love that some hate it. Sadly our Trade Dollars never really were accepted and the mint stopped making them in 1887.
It is thought by many people that the Trade Dollar was really made to use up some of the silver glut we had at the time. Need to make those silver company people happy. The design was made William Barber and weigh 27.22 grams or 420 grains. They are a nice large 38.1 diameter and are struck in .900 silver. The Mexican coins used then weighed more, 416 grains but was also of higher fineness silver.
What I am trying to say here is that it is good to get out of your regular area on collecting. This will bring you back to research basics. There is nothing like the good old Red Book. I was able to use my new 2020 issue for this. I always liked this design and enjoyed re-learning about it as well as many more facts. The Trade Dollar was made during a very interesting time in our history. To learn the reasons behind the production of this coin is to learn about the USA at that time.
Thanks for reading this blog. I hope you learned something. Please feel free to comment. Thanks for your time.
SOURCES:
2020 RED BOOK
SILVER DOLLARS and TRADE DOLLARS OF THE UNITED STATES.—Q. DAVID BOWERS
NGC
Comments
Big Nub Numismatics
Level 5
Trade dollars are one amazing series that sadly did not last longer. A deep history to go along with it as well.
World_Coin_Nut
Level 5
That's a nice coin. I recently also purchased a Trade dollar for my 7070 set. Great coin.
PastorK7354
Level 4
Beautiful coin. Very good photography. Excellent blog.
Kepi
Level 6
That's a beauty! I love Trade Dollars as well. Just a beautiful classic design and great although short history. Thanks for a wonderful blog and amazing photos!
ClassicalNumismatist
Level 4
ive never heard of a newman but good addition to your collection john
It's Mokie
Level 6
Find a Book titled "Truth Seeker, The Life of Eric P. Newman" and be amazed at how one man could have accomplished so much to benefit all Coin Collectors. He truly belongs on the Mt. Rushmore of Numismatists in this country.
Longstrider
Level 6
You should look him up. Eric P. Newman. He was a numismatics legend. Sadly he passed away in 2017, I think. He was 106 and still working his coins.
It's Mokie
Level 6
I have always loved the Trade Dollar, you have to show us that Newman someday. I currently own three, one is chopmarked, one has been made into a small box buy adding a hinge for a hidden compartment, and one is counterfeit, a poorly made cast copy, I bought just for fun. Thanks for sharing your new purchase.
coinsbygary
Level 5
I love trade dollars. If I remember correctly the trade dollar is the only US coin to have the distinction of being demonetized. Don't worry though when Nixon opened the door for individuals to buy and own gold again the trade dollar was remonetized!
"SUN"
Level 6
Nice blog. A Newman coin. WOW, nice addition to your collection.
Mike
Level 7
I must say that's in very good shape. Nice pick up. Enjoy that coin. It did allot of work in the short time they existed. Some used chopmarks to advertise there stores also. It's an underrated coin people don't understand the chopmarks. Thanks for the great history and a great coin. The coin speaks for itself. It doesn't look that circulated to me. You have a very nice one..thanks. Pat.