Which proof trade dollar type coin would you buy?

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P0CKETCHANGE
P0CKETCHANGE Posts: 3,739 ✭✭✭✭✭
in U.S. Coin Forum

Assume you are looking for a single proof trade type coin with toning in the 64-65 grade range w/CAC approval, and that you have the budget to comfortably buy any of the coins below, which are priced within $1k (or ~15%) of each other. If you had to pick one of them, which one would you choose, and why?

Coin 1—1880 PR65 CAC




Coin 2—1881 PR64+ CAC


(there are no photos except the trueview for this coin)

Coin 3—1882 PR64CAM CAC


Which proof trade dollar type coin would you buy?

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  • lermish
    lermish Posts: 5,022 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Coin 3

    I greatly prefer cameo proofs to non-cameo proofs and would, in most cases, take a 63 CAM over a 64 non-CAM.

    Separately, given populations and availability, I might look for an acceptable 1878 or earlier proof trade dollar. I haven't done an exhaustive study but they seem to hold their value and move more quickly when selling than the later, proof only dates.

    chopmarkedtradedollars.com

  • FlyingAl
    FlyingAl Posts: 4,478 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Coin 3

    The tone pattern on coin number three is very common to high grade proofs of the era, giving it the appearance of a much higher graded coin.

    Coin Photography

  • BillJones
    BillJones Posts: 35,938 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Coin 3

    I am drawn toward coin 3 because I like the over appearance better than the other two. The trouble is it is almost impossible ot judge higher grade Proof coins from pictures. I learned that when I was building a set of the 1936 to '42 Proof sets.

    Here is my Proof type coin. It is an NGC PR-64.

    This is the Heritage "glamor shot."

    This is my "flat look" shot. Both are accurate, depending upon the angle of the camera and your eyes.

    Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
  • johnny9434
    johnny9434 Posts: 34,112 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Coin 1

    Got mine wrong, sorry. #3 is preferred within 1 coming in 2nd

  • P0CKETCHANGE
    P0CKETCHANGE Posts: 3,739 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @lermish said:
    I greatly prefer cameo proofs to non-cameo proofs and would, in most cases, take a 63 CAM over a 64 non-CAM.

    Thanks, good input. That's partly what I'm trying to figure out, i.e. how does the market perceive a true gem vs. a plus coin vs. a CAM. I think the 65 offers the most registry points, but it's also the most expensive by about a grand.

    @FlyingAl said:
    The tone pattern on coin number three is very common to high grade proofs of the era, giving it the appearance of a much higher graded coin.

    Good observation, I was thinking the same. The toning pattern in the non-trueview (non-axial?) suggests the coin may be pretty bright towards the centers, and I tend to prefer the fully saturated color shown on the 65.

  • tradedollarnut
    tradedollarnut Posts: 20,761 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I cannot give you good advice off those pics - I don’t like any of them from the images but it’s totally possible they are great in hand. Proof trades in those grades are so common that I wouldn’t settle for less than the absolutely highest quality for the grade

    Early Dollar Set
  • Desert Moon
    Desert Moon Posts: 6,484 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Coin 3

    Caveat, as long as there are no hairlines in the fields, then 3, a CAM will be more striking.

    My online coin store - https://desertmoonnm.com/
  • P0CKETCHANGE
    P0CKETCHANGE Posts: 3,739 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @tradedollarnut said:
    I cannot give you good advice off those pics - I don’t like any of them from the images but it’s totally possible they are great in hand. Proof trades in those grades are so common that I wouldn’t settle for less than the absolutely highest quality for the grade

    Thank you. What would you look for, specifically? Assume 64-65 grade range.

  • pursuitofliberty
    pursuitofliberty Posts: 7,927 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Coin 3

    I think I like the look (overall) of Coin 3 best.

    At 64CAM I would expect some hairlines (some of which I can see, but the color would seem to be the most pleasing and the contrast of a Cameo typically helps these "pop" a little.

    I'm not sure what the line from the D in DOLLAR through the Olive Branch is ....

    Actually all of these coins should be expected to have hairlines and some mishandling, as that is a typical grade limiter for early proofs. I would think Coin 2 looks very similar to the one Bill posted.


    “We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”

    Todd - BHNC #242
  • golden
    golden Posts: 10,538 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I will take door #3. I love the color.

  • coinhack
    coinhack Posts: 1,226 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Coin 3

    Tough choice but overall I like the color and cameo of number 3.

  • relicsncoins
    relicsncoins Posts: 8,302 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Coin 3

    Coin 3, but I would keep all of them in bed for eating crackers.

    Need a Barber Half with ANACS photo certificate. If you have one for sale please PM me. Current Ebay auctions
  • Crypto
    Crypto Posts: 4,098 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited March 16, 2026 6:11AM
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    If you buy a proof, focus on the mirrors, I would most likely focus on an earlier date like a 73 or 75 with deep mirrors, they have parity price wise now but they shouldn't

    11.5$ Southern Dollars, The little “Big Easy” set

  • TallahasseeCoinClub
    TallahasseeCoinClub Posts: 479 ✭✭✭✭
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    There are duplicate coins listed so I don't really understand this "poll".

    Official PCGS account of:

    www.TallahasseeCoinClub.com

  • logger7
    logger7 Posts: 9,872 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited July 4, 2026 2:39PM
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    They all look great to me with the stunning imaging vs. the lackluster ones. A local shop had a raw proof Trade $1 and proof Morgan that came in this week with the hairlines in the fields and one had a light scratch. They must be tough to grade.

  • braddick
    braddick Posts: 25,190 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Coin 1

    I simply love the first one. Marvelous dark tone. So completely original. Sweet coin.

  • U1chicago
    U1chicago Posts: 6,995 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Coin 1

    @braddick said:
    I simply love the first one. Marvelous dark tone. So completely original. Sweet coin.

    I had a similar thought when picking one as my favorite

  • U1chicago
    U1chicago Posts: 6,995 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Coin 1

    @TallahasseeCoinClub said:
    There are duplicate coins listed so I don't really understand this "poll".

    The ones that have two photos are the same coin where the first photo is the PCGS TrueView and the second is a normal photo that shows the coin without emphasizing color.

  • MsMorrisine
    MsMorrisine Posts: 40,088 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    none

    Current maintainer of Stone's Master List of Favorite Websites // My BST transactions
  • MrEureka
    MrEureka Posts: 24,781 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    When the images of the same coin are so different from each other, which one would you use to make your decision? And if you choose the less attractive one, how can you compete with someone working with the more attractive image?

    Andy Lustig

    Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
    Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
  • hummingbird_coins
    hummingbird_coins Posts: 1,671 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Coin 2

    I chose coin 2 because the rim seems to frame the rest of the coin well. Coin 1 is a very close second, however. The toning pattern on coin 3 leads me to believe it was dipped at one point.

    Young Numismatist • My Toned Coins
    Life is roadblocks. Don't let nothing stop you, 'cause we ain't stopping. - DJ Khaled

  • tradedollarnut
    tradedollarnut Posts: 20,761 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I’d buy something like this. Rarer date, solid cameo contrast and flash that doesn’t look muddy

    Early Dollar Set
  • P0CKETCHANGE
    P0CKETCHANGE Posts: 3,739 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I bid on this one over the weekend, but it soared out of range and closed 64% above CAC CPG. I love the look.

  • Walkerfan
    Walkerfan Posts: 10,392 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Coin 1

    I like the color scheme of number one the best.

    Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍

    My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):

    https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/

  • Morgan13
    Morgan13 Posts: 2,698 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Coin 3

    I chose #3. I like the eye appeal.

    Student of numismatics and collector of Morgan dollars
    Successful BST transactions with: Namvet Justindan Mattniss RWW olah_in_MA
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  • JBN
    JBN Posts: 2,007 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Coin 2

    Thanks for the fun.

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