Lot Essay
The type I and type II Trade Dollars are easily recognized. On the type I obverse, the end points of the scroll that bears the legend LIBERTY point to the viewer's left, while the same scroll ends point downward on the type II style. On the type I reverse there is a berry present beneath the eagle's claw that holds the olive branch, while on the type II reverse, the berry is absent. These diagnostics are good for years 1875 and 1876. In 1877, the dies were standardized with type II obverse and reverse characteristics, continuing until the demise of the series in 1885.