1876 Trade Dollar (Trade $1) PCGS PF64 CAMEO. Trade dollars, struck for circulation in the 1870s, were meant to be the export coin of choice after discontinuation of the silver dollar denomination (at least for some years). While the actual goal of these pieces, namely being the silver coin of choice for worldwide trading was never met, many were exported and ended up in the orient. In 1876, the centennial year of the American independence, a total of 1,150 Proof trade dollars were struck for collectors. This is a relatively large number, as perhaps interest was larger because of the celebrations in the country that year, but relatively few have survived with cameo contrast, as found on the present coin.

The series of Proof Trade dollars is relatively short, being struck from 1873 to 1885. However, production of business strikes was stopped after 1878, and the issues that were struck afterwards were only produced in Proof-only format. The keys to this series are the trade dollars produced in 1884 and 1885, when the mintages were just ten and five pieces, respectively. Because of these extreme low mintages, the series is known as being extremely difficult to complete, but in fact it is not too difficult when these are not taken into account. The other years had mintages which were on par with other denominations, but thanks to the short living of this denomination, completion is a reachable goal. Completing the set in near-gem condition with appealing coins, however, is difficult and could take considerable time.

For such a set, the present coin would be an ideal example to represent the centennial year, which was celebrated extensively and through-out the year. While somewhat darker toned, especially near the rim, it also has considerable cameo contrast, a not so often encountered feature of this issue. Hairlines are consistent with the grade, but there are no marks noted on either side, and the eye-appeal is excellent. As can be expected for a Proof, all design details are sharply impressed, and no major blemishes are noted. For a Proof trade dollar or centennial Proof set this would be a perfect coin which remains relatively affordable but also very scarce.