Trade Dollar experts - did PCGS miss one?

stev32k

Here is a auction for a 1877-S PCGS MS63 Trade Dollar Link. There is no period after "FINE" on the reverse. I've looked at several other certified 1877-S Trade Dolloars and they all have have the period, and it's large enough to be visable in the photographs. I think it would show up, but it could be just the picture. What do you think?

CarlWohlforth

I don't know the diagnostics of the Trade Dollars to speak to the period or any design detail.

However that coin is certified authentic by PCGS and is offered by an extremely well known dealer, Barry Stuppler. I would be comfortable bidding on it.

stev32k

Here is something else. In looking at the ribbon ends on the obverse of the coin in question one tip points left, and one points down. With all other 77-S coins both ends clearly point down.

I enlarged the photo in photoshop to try to show these features. It's kinda blurry, but I think they show up enough to see.

tradedollarnut

There are at least two other dates [1874-S, 1876-CC] with a variety that has the period missing after FINE.

The ribbon appears to be a matter of the image.

stev32k

<< There are at least two other dates [1874-S, 1876-CC] with the period missing after FINE. >>

But, have you seen a 1877-S with the period missing? I've looked at all the certified 1877-S I can find on ebay, Heritage, and teletrade, and they all have the period. The ribbon ends are not very clear, but it sure looks to me like one of them points left instead of down. Here are some pretty good shots of an ANACS certified 1877-S for comparison.

tradedollarnut

Bowers lists the variety in his Complete Encyclopedia. Large S, no periods after FINE or DOLLAR.

I recommend that you pick this book - it's a great reference!

keoj

Hi......as TDN said, there is a variety of the 1877-S that has no periods (this does not warrant a premium)

As far as the ribbons go, well you asked......

There are actually two distinct type II obverses and reverses that are evident in the later years (76 and after). The Type IIM and the Type IIL (M for middle and L for Late). I'll just give the diagnostics for the obverse (the reverse is very subtle).

IIM Obverse - if you look at the right side of the IN GOD WE TRUST ribbon (way right tip edge), you will see it slightly doubled along the top edge. In addition, as you noted, the shape of the LIBERTY ribbon tips pointing down are a little different than the IIL. Also, if you look at the index finger (you need a loupe to do this), you will see no bump on Miss Liberty's finger. Type I and Type IIL dies show this bump.

IIL Obverse - No doubled IN GOD WE TRUST ribbon, bump in Miss Liberties left hand index finger, and LIBERTY ribbon tips pointing straight down.

Hope this helps.

keoj

stev32k

<<I recommend that you pick this book - it's a great reference! >>

Sounds like something I would like to have, but I've looked all over and the book is out of print. I can't even find a used one.

stev32k

Thanks for the response guys. That's good information.

tradedollarnut

I can't even find a used one

They show up on ebay occasionally. The price has risen dramatically the last 5 years. Expect to pay $200+

A lot of the info is copied onto my website [with QDB's permission] - check out the link below!