Set Description
A short (1873-1878) but quite fascinating series, the Business Strike Trade Dollar was conceived to compete in the foreign trade market, primarily in China. For a competitive edge against other world coins, the US Trade Dollar weight was struck in 90% silver at 420 grains, heavier than comparable foreign coins. The Trade Dollar was even heavier than the contemporary United States Seated Liberty and Morgan Dollars each weighing in at 412.5 grains. <br />Due to the decline in the price of silver in 1876, the Trade Dollar was no longer allowed as legal tender within the United States. It was not until 1965 that legal tender status was restored.<br />The Business Strike Trade Dollar set consists of a total of eighteen coins, including the 1875-S/CC overmintmark. The Jon Lorenzo Business Strike Trade Dollar Collection contains all eighteen coins in Mint State condition with an unweighted average grade of 64.61 on the 1-70 Sheldon Scale.<br />Although each Trade Dollar seems special in its own way, prizes of this collection include the former NORWEB Collection specimen 1878-CC in MS 64 grade; the ELIASBERG 1877-S in MS 66 grade; and, an 1876-S example in MS 66 grade tied for finest known. Plans are to continue upgrading coins as time and resources permit. <br />
