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American 1878-S Trade Dollar Silver Coin ANACS VF30

This is an American Trade Dollar silver coin issued by the San Francisco Mint in 1878. The obverse depicts a seated Statue of Liberty, surrounded by 13 stars, with the year "1878" engraved at the bottom. The reverse features an eagle with outstretched wings, the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "TRADE DOLLAR," and the silver purity and weight indications "420 GRAINS, 900 FINE," making it a representative large silver coin of 19th-century America. This particular coin is a slabmed piece graded VF30 by ANACS, with authentication number 6027544.

VF30 indicates that while there is some wear from circulation, the main design and lettering remain clearly visible. This particular coin also clearly shows the Statue of Liberty's clothing, the star, the year, and the eagle and inscription on the reverse, giving it a substantial presence typical of a trade dollar. The overall tone is a calm gray, and it is a coin that allows you to enjoy the natural texture characteristic of 19th-century circulating silver coins.

Coin specifications

This coin was issued in the United States in 1878, and its mint mark is the letter "S," indicating the San Francisco Mint. It has a face value of 1 trade dollar, is made of silver with a purity of .900, and weighs 420 grains, approximately 27.22g. It has a diameter of approximately 38.1mm and a serrated rim. The obverse features a seated Statue of Liberty, while the reverse is engraved with an eagle and the inscription "420 GRAINS, 900 FINE."

This item has been graded VF30 by ANACS. Trade dollars are slightly heavier than regular one-dollar silver coins and were issued with international trade, particularly use in the Asian market, in mind at the time. Recommended for collectors of American silver coins, 19th-century large silver coins, and trade silver coins.

Historical background

The American trade dollar was a silver coin issued for trade starting in 1873. At the time, large silver coins such as the Mexican 8-real silver coin were widely circulated in East Asian trade, and the United States also issued the trade dollar as a silver coin that could be easily used in international trade. It was specified to weigh 420 grains and have a silver purity of .900, and the inscription on the reverse side served to indicate the reliability of the silver coin in overseas markets.

The 1878-S is a trade dollar minted at the San Francisco Mint, a mint deeply connected to Pacific trade. San Francisco was an important port city for trade with Asia and is a very important mint in the history of trade dollars. This coin is a historical piece that evokes the connections between the American West Coast, the silver standard, and 19th-century international trade.

FAQ

Is this coin genuine?

This coin is encased in an ANACS slab and bears the labels "1878-S TR$", "VF 30", and authentication number "6027544". It is an easily accessible addition to any collection as a certified coin.

What does VF30 mean?

VF30 is a Very Fine grade, which in Japanese is equivalent to a very good condition. There is some wear from handling, but the main design and lettering remain clearly visible.

Is this coin a silver coin?

Yes, the American Trade Dollar is a silver coin with a silver purity of .900. It weighs 420 grains, or approximately 27.22g, and was a large silver coin issued for international trade at the time.

What does the "S" mint mark mean?

The "S" indicates that it was minted at the San Francisco Mint. The San Francisco Mint is a particularly important mint for 19th-century American silver coins and coins related to Pacific trade.

What kind of collector would you recommend this to?

This coin is recommended for collectors of large American silver coins, trade dollars, 19th-century silver coins, and coins issued by the San Francisco Mint. It also offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of world trade.

Will I receive the product shown in the picture?

You will receive the ANACS slab coin shown on this page. The slab may have minor scratches or signs of age due to storage, so please check the condition in the photos.

USA 1878-S Trade Dollar Silver Coin ANACS VF30 GoldSilverjapan

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