Not quite million dollar Trade dollars
RogerB
Posts: 8,852 ✭✭✭✭✭
Trade dollars were of considerable public and official interest. Here's a request for some from the Mint Director for use by Treasury officers -- as pocket pieces.
"Treasury Department
Office of the Director of the Mint
July 29, 1873
Hon. James Pollock,
Superintendent, etc.
Dear Sir,
The different officers of the Department are desirous of obtaining Trade dollars for pocket pieces. In order to oblige them it will be necessary to obtain one to two hundred pieces. The ordinary coinage will do. Can you arrange to furnish say 100 to start with at their cost to the Mint. If you send them to Treasurer Spinner C.O.D., he will distribute them and return the amount of the account therefor. I suppose you can answer it through the medal account. If it cannot be done in this way, please indicate the proper mode of accomplishing the object in view. Your early attention will oblige.
Very truly,
H.R. Linderman"
Comments
Nice perk.
Pollock responded by sending 100 Trade dollars on July 31:
A couple I've owned throughout the years...maybe they were pocket pieces?
Interesting historical memo's... and if those Trade Dollars were pocket pieces, they did their duty for a VERY long time... Cheers, RickO
Still have that neat four coin set? They would look great in a custom holder!
Nice follow-up materials!
Here's TDN's letter in a slightly more accessible version