Trade Dollar, Thoughts and Opinions?
Since there have been a couple of recent threads on trade dollars, I thought I’d post one of mine for the forum’s thoughts.
I generally avoid raw trade dollars, but this one looked pretty honest and was priced very reasonably to me from a dealer I know, about 8 years ago.
Thoughts on grade, genuine, and variety to check for are welcome.
There is a light bluish tone on the obverse when tilted in the light which adds to the attractiveness, imo:


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Comments
That is a beautiful coin Greg and can see why you picked it up! Looks to be EF40/VF35 to me, unless it has more luster not shown in the photos, but its not my series.
That looks like a pleasing XF piece to me and more original than the typical example on the market.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
I like it!
Student of numismatics and collector of Morgan dollars
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It is pleasant to view a Trade dollar that is unmolested and original.
(Terrific photography too! Better than Trueviews. . .)
I like it. That would look great in an album.
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Like it, Greg. 40 and if inhand luster blue you mentioned shows easily might push it t99 45. Has a very wholesome, original look.
Jim
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Agree!
I have another in my 7070 that I bought over 20 years that’s decent, I like them both, so I’ve held onto to them rather than selling one off.
Of course back then you could buy decent circs for ~$150, so it was affordable to do so!
A very attractive XF40. Nice coin for a type set.
I got one like it somewhere that's nice like yours. Ill go with a 35 or 40 as well
I like it. I see EF45 and would consider submitting mainly because I just like it.
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Looks like a nice original coin with unmolested surfaces.
It is a nice coin. It looks like an old time Choice VF which now makes EF-40.
I like it! I think it would holder at XF40 if you were to submit....
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Genuine VF35
VF? Lol As solid a 40 as I’ve ever seen
This is graded 35. Honestly, the OP coin should be 45 in comparison
EF40. If there were original luster left, I would call it EF45.
It's more your series than mine. But I think the obverse is solidly XF. The reverse is a little more 35ish. I'm not quibbling, but I don't think 35 is a ludicrous as you.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
1877 almost always weakly struck on stars and portions of eagle. It’s not wear
The OP coin has significantly less circulation wear than the XF40 example from PCGS websitr
XF for sure and well struck for 77-P
Nice coin, I like it. As others have mentioned, the 77 is often weakly struck.
Complete Set of Chopmarked Trade Dollars
Carson City Silver Dollars Complete 1870-1893http://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/showcase.aspx?sc=2722"
Why is it not in a TPG holder?
It looks real nice but I don’t buy raw material, especially that expensive.
🤔 My wild guess is that the coin’s not in a TPG holder because it wasn’t submitted for grading.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
I suppose each of us defines "expensive" differently.
Other than that, it is possible collectors (and Dealers) sell themselves short by not purchasing raw material.
There are so many wonderful, older collections that have yet been graded that I'd think these collectors (and Dealers) miss out on. Opportunities they are now limiting themselves from.
Is it because they don't trust their own abilities?
You still can, it's called being a dealer
Micah Langford - https://www.oldglorycoinsandcurrency.com/
I would find it concerning if any dealer is buying examples similar to the OP's coin for $150.
Young Numismatist • My Toned Coins
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Its called dealer-to-dealer wholesale
Micah Langford - https://www.oldglorycoinsandcurrency.com/
Here is my 77-P with the normal weak strike. It's graded AU-50 which I would grade 55- 58. The OP's coin started with a better strike, but with more wear. Still very nice.
Correct! Most of my raw coins haven’t been submitted for grading 😉.
The better Walkers and large cents are all holdered, and I’m slowly getting the better AU and Unc Type coins slabbed. The lower grade/lower value circ coins can wait, and I have a lot of them.
Solid, higher-end, XF!
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My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
Love that skin.
XF40 but not 45 as I don’t see any luster. It’s too bold for VF but there is little price difference so it’s academic
11.5$ Southern Dollars, The little “Big Easy” set