Any tips on buying a trade dollar

mt_msla · October 25, 2017 6:53PM

Seems like most the trade dollars I've seen were cleaned and now toned super ugly, or chopped, or worn far more than I like.

Any tips on getting a nice trade dollar without spending a fortune?

Outhaul · October 25, 2017 7:00PM

Rule #1: Don't buy them raw on eBay unless you've got a real good eye. Too many counterfeits.

ldhair · October 25, 2017 7:08PM

Don't buy your first one raw.

thebeav · October 25, 2017 7:10PM

There is no Santa Clause in numismatics, so you will have to pay for whatever you get. The advice to avoid 'raw' for the time being is spot-on.

mt_msla · October 25, 2017 7:16PM

Thanks guys.

AUandAG · October 25, 2017 7:43PM

Keep in mind that there are probably more fake TD's than real ones in existence today.

bob

Onastone · October 25, 2017 7:56PM

I didn't realize there were that many counterfeits out there...how can you tell if it's fake? Magnet test? Close examination? What are some of the key things to look for? Avoiding a raw coin is really good advice but aren't there fake slabs and labels too? I guess the best advice is Buyer Beware.

ChrisRx · October 25, 2017 8:04PM

Agree on the lots of counterfeits. They seem to be (at least to me) the most counterfeited coin out there (which might be why some people stay away.)

Insider2 · October 25, 2017 8:14PM

Learn what an original Trade dollar looks like in the grade you want.
Buy one graded by one of the four major TPGS.
Read about the different hub combinations. It will be almost as much fun as owning one. Don't worry, even if this takes a month, the coins will still be all over the place. Best of all, most of the folks selling them don't know which of the "so-called" common coins are more scarce than others.

@Onastone said: "I didn't realize there were that many counterfeits out there...how can you tell if it's fake? Magnet test? Close examination? What are some of the key things to look for? Avoiding a raw coin is really good advice but aren't there fake slabs and labels too?"

So many questions, so little time...

If you learn what the design, surface texture, and color, of a genuine trade dollar looks like, it will eliminate 95% of the counterfeits. There are only a very few highly deceptive fakes around and apparently nothing new in the past year or three. Unfortunately, most do not take this advice. Oh, toss the magnet. You'll be able to spot anything that bad with a little study.

cameonut2011 · October 25, 2017 8:15PM

Never buy a raw one unless you are an expert and even then, it is a mine field.

cameonut2011 · October 25, 2017 8:17PM

This is one of the most heavily counterfeited series.

Stooge · October 25, 2017 8:30PM

Not sure if anyone here mentioned this but don't buy your first one raw off of eBay and there are a lot of counterfeits.

CCDollar · October 25, 2017 9:48PM

Have enough money to jump on the right one when the time is correct...
CC

Unknown · October 25, 2017 10:22PM

This content has been removed.

291fifth · October 26, 2017 2:45AM

Buy only a slabbed example. As so many have said, counterfeits abound.

Be selective. Real trade dollars are not rare but nice ones are not cheap. If you can't afford a nice looking then delay your purchase until you can. The future for second rate examples is bleak.

kaz · October 26, 2017 3:20AM

I agree that if you haven't studied these, you should avoid raw coins. Still, this thread might be helpful:https://cointalk.com/threads/how-do-you-spot-fake-trade-dollars-anyway.63695/

kaz · October 26, 2017 3:24AM

The 1877-s and 1878-s have high mintages and are readily available at reasonable prices in AU. Dealers who specialize in seated liberty coins often have a few nice Trades, like Dick Osburn and Gerry Fortin.

astrorat · October 26, 2017 5:02AM

Yeah ... don't bid against TDN.

joebb21 · October 26, 2017 5:32AM

depending on what you define as a fortune, you can get super nice AU55-58 pieces for around $300-$400

OldEastside · October 26, 2017 6:04AM

Research past threads here regarding Trade Dollars, there are many and again don't buy raw
in fact I personally know 3 or 4 dealers that wont touch them raw as that's how bad the counterfeits are in this hobby and listen to all the experts here, they have great advice.

Steve

MikeInFL · October 26, 2017 6:23AM

Patience.

mbogoman · October 26, 2017 6:35AM

It's a fascinating series with as much variety as you may want. Learn about them, what they look like in various conditions and grades, compare and contrast authenticated ones with counterfeits. Learn how to interpret photos. If you don't already have Photoshop or an equivalent, get it. It is extremely valuable for playing with pictures, bringing out highlights and exposing problems. After a couple years, you should be knowledgeable enough to be able to easily detect 95% of the fakes, then you can venture into buying raw. There are plenty of older threads on this board with a wealth of free info. Use it.

I have basically funded a big part of my collection by buying raw coins, getting them certified and then re-selling.

Cheers, and best of luck!

ricko · October 26, 2017 6:40AM

Good advice above..... I like Trade Dollars and have seen many at shows.... I personally like the chopped dollars... Either buy from a reputable source (as mentioned above) or stick to slabbed coins. As always, buy the coin you like, do not settle....Cheers, RickO

TwoSides2aCoin · October 26, 2017 6:47AM

By the time you become a nut, it’s a fortune.

roadrunner · October 27, 2017 5:00PM

@astrorat said:
Yeah ... don't bid against TDN.

Actually, that's what you should do. At least then you know you'll be bidding on a nice coin.

Any tips on buying a trade dollar

Comments

Leave a Comment

Categories