How much more (or less) for Trade Dollar chop marks?

sparky64

Hope to get to an auction next weekend.
Listed is a VF 1875-S Trade Dollar with reverse chop marks. It will be a raw coin.
Say grade is true, grey sheet is $130 +/-. Should I be willing to go a little higher or lower?
Don't have one but always wanted one.
I've seen some very subtle marks and some nearly considered damaged.

crypto79

It's a complex question but I'll try. As a rule it takes form the value but it also matters how bad the coin is beat up too. Let's say the coin is choice and original with just 1-3 chops that didn't do a lot of damage on the other side of the coin and are in spots that don't take away from the design, if that coin in PCGS graded plastic it will bring up 75%-90% money if it is a common date(74s,74cc,75s,75cc,76s,77s) near even money for a better date(73s,73cc,74,76,76cc,,77p,77cc,78s) and better than normal-200%ISH(73p, 75p,78cc). The more damage and the more chops the price drops like a rock. A Vf75s that is ugly is a 99$ coin at full retail price.

Placid

I would only pay about 50% of a problem free coin.

AUandAG

Take your scale and calipers and weigh and measure it before you bid.

bob

TomB

I would definitely listen to crypto79 regarding this niche, but will add that sometimes a coin that is covered in numerous chop marks and that otherwise has pristine, original surfaces can be quite attractive and elicit decent money. As an example I will use my '75-CC that has 31 obverse chop marks, if I recall correctly, and one or two reverse chop marks. The coin also has original surfaces that are undipped and are a wonderful grey-auburn color and is in a PCGS F15 holder. I paid just a tick over Greysheet F12 money for the coin, which is essentially the same as VF20 money because of the price compression at that level, but since I have owned the piece I have had three people offer me a substantial profit on the coin should I decide to sell. Therefore, eye appeal definitely plays into the price of such pieces.

291fifth

Raw Trade Dollar ... too many counterfeits out there ... let someone else eat the slabbing cost ... pass.

Chop marks ... mutilated coin ... pass.

My opinion.

jmj3esq

Here is a pic of a PCGS graded XF40 Trade with a chop mark on the reverse. It was well placed and any resulting damage on the obverse is hidden in the details. I cracked this one out and placed it in my type set. Many of these trade dollars had the chops in them so I thought it would be an fit in my type set. I should note that I probably would not have bought it had it not been in PCGS plastic.

123cents

I think it all boils down to the buyer. If you like chop marks you will give strong money for coins with them. If you don't then you will usually pass.

crypto79

<< <i>I would definitely listen to crypto79 regarding this niche, but will add that sometimes a coin that is covered in numerous chop marks and that otherwise has pristine, original surfaces can be quite attractive and elicit decent money. As an example I will use my '75-CC that has 31 obverse chop marks, if I recall correctly, and one or two reverse chop marks. The coin also has original surfaces that are undipped and are a wonderful grey-auburn color and is in a PCGS F15 holder. I paid just a tick over Greysheet F12 money for the coin, which is essentially the same as VF20 money because of the price compression at that level, but since I have owned the piece I have had three people offer me a substantial profit on the coin should I decide to sell. Therefore, eye appeal definitely plays into the price of such pieces. >>



TomB's coin is a rare combo of factors that is the results of way above avg eye appeal / Carson city mint mark/ PCGS plastic/ price compression at a price point low enough that it can be justified by coolness. Your results will differ with any coin that doesn't meet all of the above. Also look at jmj3esq's coin, that is a good standard you should strive for. Although for similar money a clearer Chinese charter placed on the OBV and a better date with that over all look can be had.

ricko

Crypto79 has given good advice. I have a PCGS XF45, 1874CC chopped trade dollar (two on obverse, two on reverse). I purchased it because chop marks have always intrigued me and this coin was very nice. If you are acquiring for resale, you will need to find the 'right' buyer since many consider this damage. I consider it history and IMO, no trade dollar collection should be without at least one chop marked example. Cheers, RickO

sparky64

Enjoyed reading all the responses. A mini-course on chop marks.
I also was reminded to be wary of raw Trade Dollars.
If I am able to go to the auction, I'll let you know what I see.
Thanks all.

DDR

A lot depends on the size, location, number of chops and overall eye appeal. That said, Crypto79 has the pricing guideline down pretty accurately. Let us know how the auction turns out and post the coin if you can. One final word of advice: the 75-S is a common chopmarked Trade dollar, you can easily find examples. If you don't like the one in the auction, don't buy it. Wait for one you really like.

keoj

FWIW - The 75-S is a Type I/II micro s variety. Very rare in any condition.

keoj