Numismatic

1876-S Trade Dollar AU

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In 1876, the San Francisco Mint struck a distinctive silver coin known as the Trade Dollar. Designed by William Barber, this coin was part of a brief series produced for only five years, with a total production of fewer than 36 million pieces across the entire run. This particular issue, graded as Almost Uncirculated, showcases the intricate artistry of late nineteenth-century American coinage. The obverse design presents a seated figure of Lady Liberty, surrounded by a ring of thirteen stars. Legible inscriptions on this side include the word LIBERTY on a ribbon, the national motto IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date 1876. On the reverse, a powerful heraldic eagle is depicted with its wings unfolded. The eagle holds a scroll inscribed with E PLURIBUS UNUM. Below the eagle, the mint mark S identifies its origin at the San Francisco Mint. The reverse also displays the country of origin, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, alongside the coin's precise specifications: 420 GRAINS, 900 FINE, and the denomination TRADE DOLLAR. Each of these coins contains 0.7874 troy ounces of silver, representing a unique era in monetary history.