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Counterfeit Trade Dollars have pretty much flooded the market over the past decade. If you want to make sure you buy a real coin, the surest route is to buy a Trade Dollar that's been authenticated and graded by PCGS, NGC, or another recognized service. If you're considering a raw—or uncertified—coin, however, there are almost always tells that will give away the difference between a real coin and a counterfeit one. We've rounded up some common giveaways that will help you spot a forgery!
Steps
Community Q&A
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QuestionWhat kind of metal is in the counterfeit trade dollars that were made for the Orient in the 1870's?Community AnswerCounterfeit trade dollars are almost always base metal. Real trade dollars are .900 silver.
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QuestionHow much is a fake trade dollar normally worth? I'm selling.Community AnswerSelling money you know to be counterfeit is normally worth up to 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, as it's a federal crime.
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QuestionHow do I tell if my trade dollar is real or counterfeit?Community AnswerBest way is to weigh it. 90% silver would be around 27 grams. Fake ones are 18 - 19 g. A kitchen scale should do the trick.
Tips
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You may sometimes find Trade Dollars with Chinese symbols stamped into them. These are called "chop marks" and they were added to the coins when they were circulated in Asia.Thanks
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Sometimes chop marks may add to the value of a coin.Thanks
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Until you can become an expert in identification of counterfeits, it's best to buy certified coins from reputable dealers.Thanks
Warnings
- If you must buy coins online, buy PCGS, NGC, or ANACS certified coins. Even then, be aware that the certification might be fake.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://coinquest.com/cgi-bin/cq/coins.pl?coin=1048
- ↑ https://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/trade_dollars/
- ↑ https://tradedollar.org/composition-and-specifications/
- ↑ https://www.silver-coins.org/counterfeit/fake-coin-examples/1885-silver-trade-dollar.html
- ↑ https://www.silver-coins.org/counterfeit/fake-coin-examples/1885-silver-trade-dollar.html
- ↑ https://www.silver-coins.org/counterfeit/fake-coin-examples/1885-silver-trade-dollar.html
- ↑ https://coinquest.com/cgi-bin/cq/coins.pl?coin=1048
- ↑ https://www.money.org/collector/user_1671/blog/how-to-detect-counterfeit-silver-coins-1
- ↑ https://www.silvercoins.com/fake-silver-coins-14-ways-to-spot-counterfeits