The 1873-P Pattern Trade Dollar represents the experimental phase of creating a new coin specifically designed for commerce with China and East Asia, where silver was traded by weight rather than face value. These pattern pieces were struck as the U.S. Mint worked to perfect the design and specifications for what would become the official Trade Dollar. Today, the 1873-P Pattern Trade Dollar is available at JM Bullion.

Coin Highlights:

• Comes with a protective slab!
• Experimental pattern strike by the US Mint!
• Represents initial design testing for the future Trade Dollar!
• Limited availability of certified pieces!
• Contains .7874 troy oz of actual silver content.
• Graded PR65 by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation.
• Cameo designation.
• Liberty on the obverse.
• American bald eagle on the reverse.

Weighing 420 grains and containing slightly more silver than the standard dollar, the Trade Dollar was America’s first coin explicitly created for export rather than domestic circulation—a pragmatic response to the massive silver discoveries in the Western territories and the desire of mining interests to find markets for their product. While initially successful in facilitating trans-Pacific trade, the Trade Dollar program became controversial when economic depression led to these coins flooding back into domestic circulation at a time of fierce debate over silver’s monetary role, ultimately leading to the coin’s discontinuation for circulation in 1878 and its complete abolition in 1887.

This 1873-P Pattern Trade Dollar is in PR65 condition with a cameo designation. The piece shows a muted gray-silver surface color with charcoal and russet overlays in its toning. You’ll notice a subdued satin-like luster on the raised elements of the design, with peripheral toning noticeable on the reverse.

In the obverse design of the 1873 Pattern Trade Dollar, you’ll find a depiction of Lady Liberty. Designed by William Barber, the image shows Liberty seated in left-profile relief with a Phrygian cap on a staff in her right hand and her left hand resting on a globe with the word LIBERTY engraved.

For the reverse design of the 1873-P Pattern Trade Dollar, you’ll find an American bald eagle. The eagle is shown in front-facing relief as its beak clutches a banner with the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM, while one of its talons rests upon the top of the US national shield. The other set of talons clutches the arrows of war.

Please contact JM Bullion if you have any questions. You can call us at 800-276-6508, chat with us online, or email us directly.