Best Of

Today is Monday March 16th, time for Trade Dollars (1873 - 1885). This was designed by William Barber, father of Charles Barber. I believe business strikes were made from 1873 -1878, with proofs only from 1879 - 1885. They were specialized silver coins minted to compete with foreign currency in Asian markets, notably China. They were heavier (420 grains) than standard silver dollars. Many Trade dollars feature small Chinese characters or symbols (chopmarks) stamped by merchants to verify the silver purity. What other U.S. coin has significant post mint damage, yet gets straight graded, lol? My friend @lermish, is an expert on Trade Dollars with chop marks, and has a fantastic collection of them! Maybe we can get him to post one of his today, and share some of his insights?

Here’s mine, no chop marks:

Steve

Fresh from a local coin show today

More of a leap than an upgrade.

Old VF30 PCGS

New MS64BN PCGS/CAC

A nice original upgrade
VG10 (raw)

XF40 NGC CAC

Golden sunshine replaces "beautiful, clean coal"
VF35 (currently at CACG)

AU55 ANACS

Looks like it's a "Wimpy First 8!"

Saw Dave Kahn posted this one on his site sometime yesterday and was happy to snag it.

AU 58+

Everyone wants full retail. And they want to buy at wholesale.

I made an album to show what coins circulated during the years. At each change in design, I made a new row. I am still working on after 1975 because there are sooooo many changes. If you guys have any ideas, let me know. I might try to take better picture if anyone wants me to.

I am highly suspicious.

@jmlanzaf said:

@PeakRarities said:

@2windy2fish said:
@PeakRarities Right?!
Can you imagine living his life now though? He will likely be under surveillance and may have an extremely hard time liquidating any of his gold…

Oh he’ll have to lay low for years possibly, prying eyes will be-a-plentiful.

He's 73.

Wait a minute, he was never even sentenced? They were allowed to just hold him on contempt until he told them? 11 years for contempt is crazy.