Pre-1933 US Gold Coins: Melt Value and Premiums
Every pre-1933 US gold coin is 90% gold. Here's how much gold each one holds, how to price it at melt and why most sell above that floor.
Trade Dollar Melt Value
Markets closed: precious metals don’t trade on weekends, so prices show Friday, Nov 6’s close. Live updates resume Sunday evening (ET). Last checked ET
Melt value of one Trade Dollar
$41.05
Face value $1.00Melt ÷ face 41.05× Pure silver 0.78763 ozSilver spot $52.07
A Trade Dollar (1873–1885) weighs 27.22 grams and is made of 90% silver, 10% copper. That works out to 0.78763 troy ounces of pure silver, so at today’s spot price the metal in one coin is worth about $41.05.
Made for trade in Asia; slightly heavier than a Morgan dollar.
Trade Dollar specifications
| Years | 1873–1885 |
|---|---|
| Face value | $1.00 |
| Weight | 27.22 g (0.8751 troy oz) |
| Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Diameter | 38.1 mm |
| Silver content | 24.498 g (0.78763 troy oz) · worth $41.01 |
| Copper content | 2.722 g · worth $0.0381 |
How much are Trade Dollar coins worth in bulk?
| Quantity | Face value | Melt value |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.00 | $41.05 |
| 5 | $5.00 | $205.25 |
| 10 | $10.00 | $410.51 |
| 20 (1 roll) | $20.00 | $821.01 |
| 100 | $100.00 | $4,105.07 |
| 1,000 | $1,000.00 | $41,050.74 |
How the Trade Dollar melt value has changed
| Date | Melt value then | Change to today |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month ago (Oct 8, 2026) | $46.85 | ▼ -12.38% |
| 1 year ago (Nov 8, 2025) | $37.85 | ▲ +8.46% |
| 5 years ago (Nov 8, 2021) | $19.30 | ▲ +112.66% |
| 10 years ago (Nov 8, 2016) | $11.87 | ▲ +245.92% |
Based on stored daily closing prices.
Melt value vs. what your Trade Dollar is worth
Melt value is the floor: the value of the metal alone. Dealers who buy coins for their metal usually pay a little below melt. Coins with a rare date, mint mark or error, or in uncirculated condition, can sell for far more than melt to collectors – check a current price guide or have the coin graded before selling anything that looks scarce.
Have several coins? Use the coin melt value calculator or the junk silver calculator.
Other dollar coins
| Coin | Years | Metal content | Melt value | × face |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Morgan Silver Dollar | 1878–1904, 1921 | 0.7735 oz silver | $40.31 | 40.3× |
 Peace Silver Dollar | 1921–1935 | 0.7735 oz silver | $40.31 | 40.3× |
 Eisenhower Dollar (40% silver) | 1971–1976 | 0.3162 oz silver | $16.67 | 16.7× |
 Eisenhower Dollar (clad) | 1971–1978 | 22.68 g · 91.67% copper | $0.3220 | 0.3× |
 Susan B. Anthony Dollar | 1979–1981, 1999 | 8.1 g · 87.5% copper | $0.1158 | 0.1× |
 Sacagawea & Native American Dollar | 2000–present | 8.1 g · 88.5% copper | $0.1050 | 0.1× |
 Presidential Dollar | 2007–2016, 2020 | 8.1 g · 88.5% copper | $0.1050 | 0.1× |
Melt value = metal content × today’s spot price. It is not what a dealer pays (usually less) or a collector’s price (often more).
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Trade Dollar worth in melt value today?
At today’s metal prices (November 8, 2026) one Trade Dollar contains about $41.05 worth of metal. This is the melt (scrap) value – rare dates and coins in top condition can sell for much more to collectors.
How much silver is in a Trade Dollar?
A Trade Dollar weighs 27.22 grams and contains 0.78763 troy ounces (24.498 grams) of pure silver.
Is a Trade Dollar worth more than its face value?
Right now the metal in a Trade Dollar is worth 41.1× its face value of $1.
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Melt values are estimates based on spot prices and official coin specifications. Dealers usually pay less than melt; rare coins can be worth far more to collectors.