Ceylon / Sri Lanka
Assam, India
Japan
Taiwan
Nepal
China
Kenya
Egypt
South Africa
Specification
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Alloy
Fine Gold - 999.9Au
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Denomination
£5
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Weight
1oz
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Authority
St Helena
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Diameter
32mm
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Edge
Milled
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Issue limit
100
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Total Mintage
100
BEHIND THE CRAFT
Behind the Craft - British Trade Dollar
Trade Dollars were first introduced in the late 15th Century, when the ‘Spanish Dollar’ was used as a standardised currency to facilitate international trade.
Minted to a consistent specification and worth eight Spanish Reales, the reliable, trusted Spanish Dollars were the original “pieces of eight”!
The first British Trade Dollar followed in 1895. These silver coins were issued to the same specification as the trusted Spanish Dollar, making it easier for British Merchants to participate in the Oriental silk, porcelain, spice and tea trade which flourished at the end of the First Opium War.
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The British Trade Dollar was introduced in 1895, the second time that the British minted a coin purely for international trade. The first example was the ‘Portcullis Money’ or Testern silver coin of 1601 which was issued by Queen Elizabeth I for The East India Company’s first voyage to the East. The British Trade Dollar’s role was short-lived, with the last coin minted in 1937.
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• Strictly limited edition of just 100 coins worldwide
• One ounce of sparkling 999.9 fine gold • Struck to our highest Proof quality finish • Bespoke presentation case and storytelling booklet |
Product Detail
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The British Trade Dollar was introduced in 1895, the second time that the British minted a coin purely for international trade. The first example was the ‘Portcullis Money’ or Testern silver coin of 1601 which was issued by Queen Elizabeth I for The East India Company’s first voyage to the East. The British Trade Dollar’s role was short-lived, with the last coin minted in 1937.
|
• Strictly limited edition of just 100 coins worldwide
• One ounce of sparkling 999.9 fine gold • Struck to our highest Proof quality finish • Bespoke presentation case and storytelling booklet |
Stories
Trade Dollar
As European merchants explored the East in search of new luxuries, by the late 1600s The East India Company had established a trading post in Canton for exotic goods such as spices, porcelain and silks which were exchanged for the Orient’s metal of choice; silver, primarily in the form of the trusted ‘Spanish Dollar’.
But by 1839 the influx of opium into China had drained the country of its silver, leading to the First Opium War. Defeat for the Chinese in 1842 saw the ceding of Hong Kong to Britain and the opening of several ports to foreign trade.
But by 1839 the influx of opium into China had drained the country of its silver, leading to the First Opium War. Defeat for the Chinese in 1842 saw the ceding of Hong Kong to Britain and the opening of several ports to foreign trade.
Foreign banks were established in Hong Kong as large amounts of silver coins arrived from around the world as international trade flourished. Silver ‘Trade Dollars’ were produced in Europe, Japan and China, issued in the same weight and fineness as the famous and trusted Spanish Dollar, greatly helping trade in the luxury commodities of the Orient.
A British coin with an Eastern feel, the original British Trade Dollar was used exclusively in the Far East. For the first time on a coin it depicted a standing Britannia holding a trident and shield, with a merchant ship in the background.
This 2022 British Trade Dollar 1oz Gold Proof Coin pays tribute to the coin’s history with a new design inspired by the original, Britannia facing forwards with a map of the United Kingdom in the background.
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FAQ
What is the difference between maximum mintage and issue limit?
Maximum mintage is the total number of individuals coins which will be struck, this includes coins presented is sets. The Issue limit refers to the number of coins which will be sold in the specific presentation.
What if the maximum mintage and issue limit is the same?
This means the coin will only be available in the presentation shown and will not be issued in any other way.
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Delivery & Returns
UK Standard Delivery: £9.95
See our delivery page for more information and overseas delivery. - Reviews
