trade dollar

noun

1. a silver coin of the U.S., containing slightly more silver than the standard dollar, issued from 1873 to 1885 for trade with Asia.

Word History and Origins

Origin of trade dollar¹

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75

Example Sentences

Rank is only the E pluribus Unum stamp, on the trade dollar: a feller is a feller for all that.

From Project Gutenberg

In familiar English letters, copied bodily from the trade dollar, was the sentiment: “In God we trust.”

From Project Gutenberg

As for Trencher, the one crotchet in his cool brain centred about that worthless trade dollar.

From Project Gutenberg

This Act authorized the coinage of the trade dollar of 420 grains, making it a legal tender for $5.

From Project Gutenberg

There are 900 parts of pure silver and 100 parts of copper in the "trade dollar."

From Project Gutenberg