Trade dollars
COINS MAKE CENTS
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Just curious on trade dollars. Are chopmarked coins more popular then unchopmarked coins? Does unchopped coins comand higher prices?
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Chopmarks have come into their own as far as desirability. The chop itself can be collectible. For me, I prefer un-chopped coins. If there were a rare date, no doubt it would be worth more when 'clean'......
It depends on personal preference and reason. For me I prefer unchopped dollars and would pay less for an example with chops. There are exceptions out there based on rarity for those who collect complete sets.
I'm looking at one for my type set. I'm sort of on the fence. The history of the chop marks and what the intended use for the coinage is alluring, but I lean more to the aesthetic of the coin as it was designed. So, I'll probably buy an unchopped specimen.
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Amazing number 1 set by far
https://www.pcgs.com/SetRegistry/dollars/trade-dollars-specialty-sets/trade-dollars-chop-mark-set-circulation-strikes-1873-1878/alltimeset/19247
They are amazing Artifacts of a fascinating portion of political and economic history. As to collectibility they trend similar to regular coins with eye appeal being paramount. Complete collections are almost impossible but a short set of all the S mint coins or a date run with at least one from each mint are not impossible and a great short set of large and interesting coins and won’t crush your bank account.
My humble set
https://www.pcgs.com/SetRegistry/collectors-showcase/1516
11.5$ Southern Dollars, The little “Big Easy” set
I hang around on the other side of the fence; I really enjoy chopmarked coins as a whole, particularly Trade Dollars. For me, the chops add validity to the coin as a means of commerce, tell a story, make each individual piece unique, and above all, elevate chopmarked pieces from a relatively ordinary coin to an artifact. To each his own.
My impression is that across the collecting spectrum, unchopped trade dollars are more desirable among collectors who maybe just want one for type. However the interest in chopmarked coins is growing and there are indeed specialist collectors who I believe would pay more for chopped TD's from particular dates/mints. So I guess the answer to the op's question is "It depends."
I can tell you I’m a big fan of the type of person typically attracted to collecting chop Mark dollars. Very studious and pure hobby perspectives in my humble opinion. Their limited 2 way market has made them somewhat void of the flipper, vest pocket profiteering that plagues so much of our hobby not to mention the fanboy level of collector that ruins (for me) some niches like toners, moderns, errors or what ever is popular that moment time
11.5$ Southern Dollars, The little “Big Easy” set
I like Trade Dollars, particularly chop marked specimens... I consider them to be unique pieces of history and doubt we will see any two alike... further enhancing their attraction. Cheers, RickO
There my favorite coin series for reasons stated above. They have became more popular since I started collecting them about 10 years ago. I can tell you this because nice pieces have gotten harder to find and prices have went up. I bought several great coins in the $100 - $250 range when I first got into them, a couple were uncirculated as well.
edited to add: Beware of buying uncertified examples due to the fact that Trade $'s are one of the most counterfeited coins there are.
I consider chopmarked trade dollars to be mutilated coins. Chop marks could be faked very easily so I see no reason why anyone would pay a premium for coins that have them. Some collectors seem to love chopmarks but I am not one of those collectors. I would not buy one.
I like chop marks from the historical aspect, but if I am looking for a nice type coin to represent the design, I want one with no chop marks.
I like unchopped Trade Dollars, great design, great history.
But I love chopmarked Trade Dollars. Each coin is unique and each coin demonstrates tangible evidence that it did what it was minted to do. You know that the coin you are holding in your hand went to Asia in the 1870's, avoided the melting pot and made it back.
They are addicting to collect once you get started.
Complete Set of Chopmarked Trade Dollars
Carson City Silver Dollars Complete 1870-1893http://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/showcase.aspx?sc=2722"
Started with a pretty AU in my type set. Added a nice PF. Now it's time to round things out with a nice chopmarked example.
I have always preferred the look of chopped trade dollars, they add to the history. I purchased my first one recently.