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The 1875-CC Trade Dollar in Very Fine Plus (VF+) condition stands as a tangible remnant of one of the most intriguing chapters in American numismatic and commercial history. Born out of economic necessity and the desire to compete in global trade, particularly with China and the Far East, the Trade Dollar series was authorized by Congress in 1873 through the Coinage Act. Unlike previous U.S. silver dollars, which circulated domestically, the Trade Dollar was intended for use in international commerce to rival other large silver coins like the Mexican 8 Reales and various Asian silver issues. The 1875-CC issue, struck at the Carson City Mint in Nevada, carries special historical resonance due to its role in the American West and its limited mintage compared to Philadelphia or San Francisco counterparts.
The Carson City Mint, established in 1870, was ideally situated near the Comstock Lode and other silver-rich regions of Nevada, making it an important center for coinage during the silver mining boom. The Trade Dollar was one of several denominations struck at Carson City, but unlike the Philadelphia and San Francisco Mints, Carson City’s output was relatively low due to its smaller capacity. The 1875-CC Trade Dollar had a mintage of just 1,573,700 pieces, and many of these were either exported to Asia or saw heavy use in local circulation. As a result, examples in higher circulated grades like VF+ are prized by collectors seeking coins that retain both historical wear and substantial detail.
The obverse design of the Trade Dollar was created by William Barber, the fifth Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. It features a seated allegorical figure of Liberty facing left. She is portrayed seated on a bale of merchandise, symbolizing commerce, with her right hand extended forward offering an olive branch—an emblem of peace and goodwill. Her left hand holds a ribbon-wrapped staff with a Liberty cap, signifying freedom. Around the periphery are 13 stars, representing the original colonies, and the date “1875” at the base. On a VF+ example, Liberty’s gown folds, facial details, and the bale remain fairly well defined, though with moderate wear softening the high points. The stars and date are typically bold and distinct, while minor flatness may appear on Liberty’s hand and the olive branch.
The reverse features a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, perched on an olive branch and a bundle of three arrows. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TRADE DOLLAR” arc around the eagle, while below are the weight and fineness specifications: “420 GRAINS, 900 FINE.” Unlike other U.S. silver coins, the Trade Dollar openly advertised its bullion content to appeal to foreign merchants and facilitate acceptance abroad. The Carson City mintmark “CC” is located below the eagle and above the word “DOLLAR.” On a VF+ coin, the eagle’s feathers, while moderately worn, retain visible definition in the wings and chest, and the bold lettering and mintmark are clean and legible. The fields exhibit even circulation wear but remain free from significant damage or corrosion.
The Trade Dollar’s unique legal status adds to its historical fascination. Originally legal tender for amounts up to five dollars, the Trade Dollar was quickly exported in large numbers, particularly to China, where its size and purity made it acceptable in local markets. However, a portion of the coins also circulated within the United States, especially in the West. Due to the public's frustration with their discount treatment in domestic commerce, the coin’s legal tender status was revoked in 1876. The revocation, coupled with a flood of chopped or counterstamped Trade Dollars reimported from Asia, led to declining public confidence and ultimately contributed to the series’ discontinuation in 1885. Surviving coins from 1875-CC that escaped mutilation or melting are thus relatively scarce in attractive, problem-free grades.
The Carson City issues, including the 1875-CC, are particularly sought after for their strong frontier legacy. The mint’s location in the heart of the American silver rush and its rugged history imbue each coin with a sense of place and time. These coins are tangible artifacts of an era when silver flowed from Nevada mines into coin presses and ultimately into both domestic and international circulation. The 1875-CC Trade Dollar was likely used by merchants, traders, and perhaps even transported overseas, where some were eventually melted down or stamped with Chinese chop marks as they moved through foreign hands. A VF+ coin that avoided such treatment is both a historical survivor and a valuable collector’s piece.
In terms of condition, a VF+ 1875-CC Trade Dollar shows moderate but even wear over the high points, with significant design details still present. Liberty’s seated form retains clear outline and some internal features, including visible drapery lines and partial detailing in the extended olive branch. The reverse eagle is bold in silhouette, with feather detail in the wings and arrows remaining discernible. The reeded edge remains intact, and the fields, while softly worn, lack distracting blemishes, scratches, or cleaning marks. Coins in this grade often exhibit pleasing, natural toning—ranging from soft gray to light golden hues—that enhances their eye appeal and affirms their originality. For collectors, this level of preservation offers a satisfying combination of authenticity and visual clarity.
The numismatic market places a premium on Carson City coins due to their lower mintages and colorful history. While Mint State examples of the 1875-CC Trade Dollar are extremely scarce and often command high prices, coins in VF+ condition offer a much more accessible entry point for collectors wanting to acquire a representative specimen without compromising on visual quality. Many Trade Dollars have suffered from harsh cleaning or have been defaced with Asian chop marks; thus, problem-free VF+ examples are increasingly valued for their relative scarcity and collector desirability. As certified pieces become more widely recognized and preserved, mid-grade examples like this one continue to grow in popularity for their balance of historical presence and affordability.
Collectors pursuing a complete set of Trade Dollars or those specializing in Carson City issues often prioritize coins like the 1875-CC due to its distinctive mintmark and critical place within the short-lived series. The fact that this coin combines both international commercial purpose and Wild West lore makes it an especially compelling addition to any U.S. type collection. Its status as a product of America’s only frontier mint, coupled with its role in global trade, positions it at the crossroads of domestic history and international commerce. The CC mintmark alone holds enduring appeal among numismatists who appreciate the romance and rarity of Nevada coinage.
The 1875-CC Trade Dollar in VF+ condition encapsulates a unique period in American monetary and minting history. Struck with the purpose of facilitating international trade, especially with Asian markets, and born of the silver-rich hills of Nevada, this coin embodies both economic strategy and frontier resourcefulness. Its solid preservation, legible detail, and evocative Carson City mintmark make it a desirable and historically significant specimen. Whether collected for its artistry, its numismatic challenge, or its story as a traveler between continents, the 1875-CC Trade Dollar continues to be a treasured piece for those who appreciate the complexities and richness of 19th-century American coinage.