1874 Trade Dollar. Proof-65 Cameo (NGC).This gorgeous Gem is better preserved than the typical Proof trade dollar of any date offered in todays market. Brilliant apart from a dusting of pale golden iridescence, both sides feature a bold cameo finish. Reflective fields form a splendid backdrop to devices that are frosty and fully defined apart from minor softness to Libertys breast and the eagles left leg. This coin would be just right for an advanced specimen type or date set.The Philadelphia Mint produced 700 Proof trade dollars in 1874, the second year in what would prove to be a brief series. According to Q. David Bowers in his 1993 silver and trade dollar encyclopedia, the mintage for this issue was delivered as follows:-January: 100 coins-February: 200 coins-March 100 coins-April: 100 coins-May: 0 coins-June: 100 coins-July: 0 coins-August: 0 coins-September: 50 coins-October: 0 coins-November: 0 coins-December: 50 coinsThe author also states that, although it was customary for the Mint to wholesale remaining Proofs from earlier years to New York and Philadelphia-based dealers early in the new year, the Mint released 175 unsold Proof trade dollars at face value on January 9, 1875. Most of these coins were probably dated 1874 and, while some may have been acquired by contemporary dealers, others likely ended up in commerce and were lost to future numismatists. Today, the 1874 is among the scarcer Proof trade dollars, and Gems such as this are quite rare from a condition standpoint. A significant offering that is sure to appeal to astute bidders.
