I was at my local coin shop today and they had 4 British Trade Dollars - 1897, 1899, 1903, 1907. They were going to sell them for about $16 per coin. I don't collect these and know nothing about them. What is the silver content and is this a good price for each coin? Three of the four coins would probably grade AU - maybe UNC. They still have some nice luster on them and solid detail. The 1897 would possibly grade XF, maybe AU at best. Thanks.
If genuine, then thats a pretty good deal. If not, and they're still silver, then its still not the worst. Bear in mind that these were counterfeited in the far east, just like US trade dollars were.
That is a simple question that does not have a simple ansswer. There are many different ways counterfeit coins are made - cast, struck, electrotypes, etc. Each has its own markers. You should educate yourself on basic counterfeit detection so you can spot the obvious fakes yourself. A good place to start is with Coin Grading & Counterfeit Detection by PCGS.
Most fake british trade dollars are electrotypes or cast. Electrotypers will have poor edge detail, and possibly a seam through the middle. Cast fakes will probably have small bubbles and poor details again. A real british trade dollar is about $25 in VF
