Question about toned 1874 proof Trade Dollar on Vcoins
steve_richardson
Posts: 169 ✭✭✭
The toning on this 1874 proof trade dollar looks pretty cool. But is this a natural sort of toning for these? Or would you suspect AT?
The price seems reasonable based on the PCGS app price guide, but I’m not familiar enough with this series to really know. Unfortunately it’s beyond my price range right now. Otherwise I’d probably buy it because the look really appeals to me.
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Comments
The color doesn’t look anywhere close to natural, and since the coin isn’t graded by PCGS, their price guide value is irrelevant.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
I agree with Mark, I've never seen a T$ (or really any coin) look anything like that naturally.
Questionable toning in my eyes. I would want my Trade Dollar PCGS certified.
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Thank you! I need to spend some more time learning what natural toning looks like! 😅
This does make me wonder why someone would go to the effort of artificially toning a proof Trade dollar.
Why? Typically to mask imperfections/problems and/or make the coin look more appealing (at least to those who don’t know better). Said differently, it’s done for financial reasons.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Hi Steve....Please be extra careful buying any Trade Dollar without Third Party encapsulation! Namely, NGC, PCGS, or CACG. The color on this coin does not look original, but it's hard to know...as they could have played with the tint and color saturation...Hard to judge from the photo. I've seen sooooo many fake, artificially toned Trade Dollars....Again be worried, be very very worried about any Trade Dollar lacking certification. Good luck.
That makes sense. I’m glad that you and the other experts on this form are so helpful to (relative) newbies like me. If it weren't for this forum, I would not even have know to wonder about AT, and would probably have gotten suckered in by the colorful look!
BTW, don't be dissuaded, because an original, gem Trade Dollar in proof can be a truly stunning coin, and something you will treasure. They have become very difficult, and expensive lately. My best advice, find a trustworthy dealer, and have them locate a solid one for you. The really desirable one's have beautiful cameo devices, some original toning, and flashy mirrors....include TPG and CAC sticker and you have something you can have confidence in if you ever sell it!
The toning may not look as strong as the pictures shows it to be.
I think the picture has been juiced a fair bit.
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Thanks for the encouragement!
I am thinking about starting to save up for a classic proof coin. I do like the history and design of the trade dollars, and a proof like you describe sounds amazing!
The toning looks blatantly artificial to me, and personally I'd be extremely wary of the toning covering up another issue.
As mentioned above, buy certified. Even those with decades of experience in these coins like the extra protection sometimes, and it's just a smart idea.
Coin Photographer.
@steve_richardson Here's some nice colorful one's!
Beautiful! I love those 😍
They are out of my price range, but maybe someday!
That second one is my favorite. Love it.