One of My Favorite Historical Coins

The US Trade dollar is a tricky coin to find, most coin shops will not have many (if any) to sell and they go for a lot on eBay.

It's been on my my "want" list for many years, and my collection didn't seem complete without at least one specimen. I wanted one without any "chop" marks on it, decent shape. The dark patine is a nice touch, adds the the dynamic look of the coin.

A typical Trade Dollar Listing on Ebay.

It's Not A Dollar

in spite of being called a "Trade Dollar", it never states that it's worth a dollar, but the value is based only on it's weight and purity, which is clearly printed on the back.

The United States trade dollar was a dollar coin minted by the United States Mint to compete with other large silver trade coins that were already popular in East Asia. Wikipedia

Most Trade Dollars were shipped to China and the East, most of them being melted down and re-used, making the Trade Dollar become fairly rare. If they weren't melted down, they were stamped with Chinese charactors called "chop marks" to denote the they are authentic and not a forgery.

Obey with Trembling!

When the "Trade Dollar" was first introduced in China in 1873, the Emperor of China made a proclamation:

This Proclamation, therefore, is for the information of you merchants, traders, soldiers and people of every district. You must know that the 'Eagle Trade Dollar' that has lately come to Hong Kong has been jointly assayed by officers specially appointed for the purpose, and it can be taken in payment of duties, and come into general circulation. You must not look upon it with suspicion. At the same time rogues, sharpers, and the like, are hereby strictly forbidden to fabricate spurious imitations of this new Eagle Dollar, with a view to their own profit. And should they dare to set this prohibition at defiance, and fabricate false coin, they shall, upon discovery, most assuredly be arrested and punished. Let every one obey with trembling! Let there be no disobedience! Wikipedia

Chop Marks

While my specimen has no chop marks, they are often found on the trade dollar. They are interesting from a historical and cultural standpoint, but to me they look like mutilation of the coin .

These are some examples of "chop marks" on US Trade Dollars.

Image Source: Ebay

Image Source: Ebay

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed my little showcase of the US Trade Dollar. I don't often showcase coins, but this one was just asking for a spotlight.

Have a great day!

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Benjamin Turner: God fearer. Rooted in Messiah. Husband of @lturner. Father of FIVE wonderful children. The guy behind the camera. Blockchain enthusiast.

Bless the Most High!

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