Rarity in MS-66 (& Better) Grade

1878-S Approximate population MS-66 or better: 25 to 30+. At the MS-66 level this is by far the most available trade dollar due to the Seattle Hoard.

1875-S: 10 to 15+

1877-S: 10 to 15+

1876: 8 to 10+

1873: 4 to 6

1875: 4 to 6

1873-S: 1 or 2

1874: 1 or 2

1874-CC: 1 or 2

1875-CC: 1 or 2

1876-S: 1or 2

1877: 1 or 2

1877-CC: 1 or 2

1878-CC: 1 or 2

1874-S: 0 or 1

1875-S/CC: 0 or 1

1876-CC: 0 or 1

1873-CC: 0 or 1

The trade dollar was intended to be exported and melted.  Thus relatively few were available to be set aside in the United States.  Collectors who wished a representative example usually purchased proofs from the mint - thus high grade trade dollars are few and far between.  With the exception of the Seattle Hoard of 1878-S coins, trade dollars are extraordinarily rare in MS66 and above.