The Trade Dollar 1oz Silver Proof Five Coin Set

In the 16th century, European merchants began to sail further west and east, exploring undiscovered routes in search of new luxuries. Manila Galleon trading ships laden with Spanish silver dollars, known as ‘pieces of eight’, set sail from Spain’s abundant silver mines in South America, across the Pacific between the Philippines and Mexico.

Precious cargoes of spices, porcelain and silks were exchanged for the Orient’s preferred choice of metal – silver. The Spanish Dollar quickly established its reputation as the world’s first global money. Weighing approximately 27g and minted in .900 silver, this coin was to become the standard currency specification for Chinese silver dollars (often called Dragon Dollars) as well as Japanese and Korean versions.

Following the ceding of the island of Hong Kong to the British in 1842, international trade with China and the surrounding territories flourished. Western powers looking to trade in porcelain, silks and the most lucrative – tea, rushed to the East in search of precious luxuries to exchange for silver. Each country saw a requirement to mint its own silver coins to satisfy demand and so a new coinage arose, commonly referred to as Trade Dollars.

This beautiful set of five silver proof coins is a tribute to these fascinating coins of the Orient and a lasting tribute to a currency born of commerce and trade.

Strictly Limited to 500 Sets Worldwide