1872 Silver Trade Dollar 420 Grains 900 Fine
Introduction to the 1872 Silver Trade Dollar
The 1872 Silver Trade Dollar is a coin that was minted by the United States government in order to facilitate trade with China and other countries in Asia. At the time, many countries were using silver as their primary currency, and the United States wanted to establish itself as a major player in international trade. The coin was designed to be the same size and weight as the Mexican silver dollar, which was widely used in Asia at the time.
The Design of the 1872 Silver Trade Dollar
The 1872 Silver Trade Dollar features a design that is similar to the Liberty Seated dollar, which was the standard silver dollar in circulation at the time. The obverse side of the coin features a left-facing portrait of Liberty, with the word “Liberty” inscribed above her head. The reverse side of the coin features an eagle with its wings spread, holding arrows and an olive branch in its talons. The words “United States of America” and “In God We Trust” are also inscribed on the reverse side of the coin.
The Weight and Purity of the 1872 Silver Trade Dollar
The 1872 Silver Trade Dollar weighs 420 grains and is made from silver that is 90% pure. This means that the coin contains 378 grains of pure silver. The coin has a diameter of 38.1 millimeters and a thickness of 2.4 millimeters. The weight and purity of the coin were carefully chosen in order to make it compatible with other silver coins that were in circulation at the time.
The History of the 1872 Silver Trade Dollar
The 1872 Silver Trade Dollar was first minted in 1873, and it was used primarily for trade with China and other countries in Asia. However, the coin was not widely accepted in the United States, and it was eventually discontinued in 1885. Today, the 1872 Silver Trade Dollar is a popular collector’s item, and it is valued for its historical significance and its rarity.
The Rarity of the 1872 Silver Trade Dollar
The 1872 Silver Trade Dollar is a rare coin, with only a limited number of specimens still in existence today. Many of the coins were melted down in the 19th century, and others were lost or destroyed over time. As a result, the 1872 Silver Trade Dollar is highly sought after by collectors, and it can command a high price at auction.
Conclusion
The 1872 Silver Trade Dollar is a coin that played an important role in the history of international trade. Although it was not widely used in the United States, it was an important currency in Asia and other parts of the world. Today, the coin is valued for its rarity and its historical significance, and it is a popular item among collectors of rare coins.