The 1871 Trade Dollar 420 Grains 900 Fine Precio is a significant coin in American history. It was produced by the United States Mint as part of an effort to compete with other countries' trade coins. The coin was first minted in 1873 and was intended to circulate in Asia, particularly in China, where the demand for silver was high.
The Design and Specifications of the 1871 Trade Dollar
The obverse side of the coin features the head of Liberty facing left, with the word "LIBERTY" inscribed above. The year of minting is displayed at the bottom of the coin. The reverse side of the coin features an eagle with wings spread wide, perched on a bundle of arrows and an olive branch. The words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "TRADE DOLLAR" are also inscribed on this side.The coin weighs 420 grains (27.2 grams) and has a purity of 900 fine silver. It has a diameter of 38.1 millimeters and a thickness of 2.4 millimeters.
The Significance of the 1871 Trade Dollar
The 1871 Trade Dollar was significant because it was designed to compete with other countries' trade coins, particularly the Mexican peso and the Spanish dollar. These coins were widely accepted in Asia, and the United States wanted to establish a presence in this market.However, the 1871 Trade Dollar was not actually produced until 1873, and by that time, the price of silver had fallen. The coin was not widely accepted in Asia, and production ceased in 1885.
The Value of the 1871 Trade Dollar Today
The value of the 1871 Trade Dollar varies depending on its condition and rarity. A coin in excellent condition can fetch thousands of dollars at auction, while a damaged or worn coin may only be worth a few hundred dollars.
How to Authenticate an 1871 Trade Dollar
Authenticating an 1871 Trade Dollar can be challenging because there are many counterfeit coins on the market. One way to authenticate a coin is to have it graded by a professional coin grading service, such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC).
Conclusion
The 1871 Trade Dollar 420 Grains 900 Fine Precio is a valuable and historically significant coin. Its design and specifications were intended to compete with other countries' trade coins, but it was not widely accepted in Asia. Today, the value of the coin varies depending on its condition and rarity, and authenticating it can be challenging. However, owning an authentic 1871 Trade Dollar is a unique and valuable addition to any coin collection.
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