Is this a Contemporary Counterfeit Trade Dollar?
NumisOxide
Posts: 11,030 ✭✭✭✭✭
You don't see many contemporary counterfeit trade dollars. On the LSCC site, I saw an 1875-S die struck example in brass. This 1876-S piece looks like a brass cast piece in which the reeding was added later. Weighs 15.65g Not sure by hand or machine. For $34 I took a chance. I took a few shots around the edge as well. Thoughts my friends? 
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In my opinion, with a stress on opinion, this looks less like the quality and craftsmanship of a Bogus Bustie (contemporary counterfeit Bust half) and more like a modern piece made to look old.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
It's definitely crude in craftsmanship, much like many contemporary counterfeits.
I think the OP got a real bargain.
Does it seem to have been silver plated at one point?
Without the silver wash, seems unlikely that it was passed as real...🤔
Possibly a contemporary counterfeit, but I don't know how you could ever prove it.
The reeding, done by hand- is a 'tell' for me.
I was thinking that the black areas around the devices, lettering and edge were from some kind of tarnished plating or wash.> @braddick said:
I was skeptical until I saw the reeding. It's an interesting piece nonetheless.
Any evidence of a casting sprue?
Ed. S.
(EJS)
Interesting brass counterfeit... Probably was planning on silver plating it .... Just did not get around to it.... Cheers, RickO
I agree. I wouldn't be prepared to say one way or another.
My guess is that it is not a contemporary counterfeit. Trade dollars were made to be shipped to Asia, and the vast majority were. Especially those from the San Francisco mint as this one is. Chinese bankers/schroffs/traders were pretty astute in picking out counterfeits, which I am sure was known by those trading with them. This copy is so crude I doubt it would even make it on the ship.
Complete Set of Chopmarked Trade Dollars
Carson City Silver Dollars Complete 1870-1893http://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/showcase.aspx?sc=2722"