Trade Dollars

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At LCR Coin, we specialize in certified rare coins, modern collectibles, Pre-1933 gold, and precious metals backed by over 35 years of industry experience. Whether you are building a collection, investing in gold and silver, or searching for sought-after modern releases, we focus on offering quality products backed by respected grading services and professional customer support.

We specialize in certified coins from leading grading companies including NGC, PCGS, and CAC, along with premium U.S. Mint releases, low-mintage issues, and advanced designation coins. Every order is handled with care, secure packaging, and a commitment to transparency from purchase to delivery.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Yes.

  • Orders $349 and over ship FREE with full insurance within the United States.
  • Orders under $349 are charged a minimum $16.95 insured shipping fee.
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Estimated delivery dates are provided on each product page and are subject to change based on U.S. Mint, grading service, or supplier release schedules.

Are your coins certified by PCGS, NGC, and CAC?

Yes. LCR Coin proudly offers a wide selection of coins certified and graded by the industry’s leading third-party grading companies, including PCGS, NGC, and CAC.

Why buy from LCR Coin?

LCR Coin has been a trusted rare coin and precious metals dealer for over 30 years, offering certified rare coins, modern releases, and gold & silver bullion from the industry’s leading grading services.

As an Authorized Dealer for PCGS, NGC, and CAC, we are committed to providing collectors and investors with high-quality certified coins, competitive pricing, secure shipping, and exceptional customer service.

Estimated delivery dates are provided on the product page and are subject to change based on U.S. Mint or supplier release schedules. 

More About This Collection

Trade Dollar

The Trade Dollar was designed by William Barber.  In the 1850 to 1870 period, China welcomed the trade from the West as it could not import, mine or strike enough silver coinage to satisfy the demand. In the United States, the discovery of the Comstock Lode of silver in Nevada in 1859, meant that the price of silver declined dramatically.

But the Coinage Act of 1873 mandated that a coin specially created and intended for Asian trade needed to be created. That coin became the US Trade Dollar. It was legal tender, internationally, all around the world, but especially in Asia. It was accepted in any amount internationally but was legal tender in the United States only in amounts up to $5.00.

The design was modified on both sides to meet US coin requirements. The obverse depicted a seated Miss Liberty facing left. She is seated on bales of merchandise (Cotton, wheat, corn, etc.), holding an olive branch in her right hand and her left hand holds a banner upon which is inscribed “LIBERTY.” There are six six-pointed stars to her left and seven six-pointed stars to her right. The date is below Miss Liberty.

The reverse depicts an American Bald Eagle facing right. A floating banner above the eagle states “E PLURIBUS UNUM” while above the banner are the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” The eagle holds three arrows in her right talon and an olive branch in her left. Below the eagle is the weight (420 grains) and the fineness (.900 Silver). Below is the denomination “TRADE DOLLAR” at the bottom of this reeded edge coin. The 13 stars across the coin represents the 13 original colonies.

The mints at Philadelphia, Carson City, and the San Francisco all struck coins. The majority of these coins were shipped to China where they began circulating. But as millions more of these coins were struck, many began circulating in the United States. They were not intended for US circulation and many merchants would only accept them at a discounted rate.

The coins produced for circulation were competing with British Trade Dollars and Mexican Eight Reales to satisfy the demand for silver in Asia. The US rationale for minting these coins was the belief that millions of these coins would be accepted at face value and that they would be melted for their silver content. The US would make a profit on the seigniorage (the difference between the face value of a coin and the cost to produce and distribute the coin).