I was rereading Rose's "Chopmarks," looking for some other information and I came across this:
"Right here, it is time for a note about rascality. Occasionally, a close look at a chopped coin with a good glass will reveal that what is, at first glance, a punch mark, is in reality a light touch with a small drill bit. Its purpose--robbing the coin of a tiny amount of silver."
TDN's trefoil may be an attempt by Chinese or others to steal a bit of silver from these Trade Dollars. Which would make it not quite a chopmark.
Comments
<< <i>Great information. Interesting parallels with our own first coinage in terms of signifying a national identity. Thanks
Jessup,
Thanks for the questions. I never really thought about it until you asked.
"Right here, it is time for a note about rascality. Occasionally, a close look at a chopped coin with a good glass will reveal that what is, at first glance, a punch mark, is in reality a light touch with a small drill bit. Its purpose--robbing the coin of a tiny amount of silver."
TDN's trefoil may be an attempt by Chinese or others to steal a bit of silver from these Trade Dollars. Which would make it not quite a chopmark.
Complete Set of Chopmarked Trade Dollars
Carson City Silver Dollars Complete 1870-1893http://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/showcase.aspx?sc=2722"
As long as they don't grade them MS