I'm not a Trade Dollar expert by any means. When I saw this un-graded TD on the auction block I though I would test my diagnostic skills. Using the auction house's pictures (attached) I compared a couple of points of the reverse against pictures of a 1876 TD from PCGS Coin Facts. I found; On the coin in question the eagles right (left facing) lower wing tip goes though the top arrow shaft and ends touching the middle arrow shaft. In the Coins Facts photo the wing tip ends just after intersecting with the top arrow. On the coin in question the left (right facing) lower wing tip looks like it was trimmed with scissors. On the coin in question the lowest leaf of the four olive leaf cluster ends well below the F in FINE. PCGS shows it ends at the top of the F. The detail of the feathers of the left facing wing and the breast look like they could have been added with a paint brush. To my eyes they just don't match the PCGS coin. (Too detailed) The center of the ribbon is missing the raised border. (Though could be a strike issue) I stopped after the above observations. Any Trade Dollar experts want to comment on my observations? Others please add your comments about the posted coins authenticity.
Most likely fake, the only thing that jumps out at me is the messed up Y in Liberty. It's an 1876 with no wear whatsoever, looks like Sum Yung Guy was working on his Proof making skills!
Looks to me that it has all the signs of a reverse 2 with an obverse 2, which would be standard. I’m having difficulty in focusing today but the Y in LIBERTY looks to be a die clash. The only thing I don’t understand is how a coin this old, that’s a proof issue of 1,150 coins that’s made of 900 fine silver has that green gunk on it. Both sides show scratches in the mirror like fields which shouldn’t be there and that green gunk is in numerous place along the rim on the reverse. The most notable spot is 7 to 8 o’clock area.
I think it's a proof, type 2/2. the 76 proofs are interesting in that you can have 1/1, 1/2, and 2/2, as well as a transitional "1.5/2". It appears to have quite a few hairlines and PVC on the rev as already pointed out. That needs to be removed! Some areas of strike weakness are not unusual on these so the dentils don't bother me.
Proof? Is that why my observations listed in my OP could not be validated against the photos from PCGS Photo Grade? Huh. If proof, why is there such a variation in the denticles from 12 - 6 and 6 - 12? Not arguing, trying to learn.
I wouldn't get too caught up in the weak dentils thing. It is not an uncommon finding on trade dollars. The dentils are very consistent in length and shape, which is what matters. The left side of the rev is just somewhat weak, note the top of the left wing.
You might want to check out this thread, where some real experts (meaning, not me) check out and discuss a 76 1/1 proof (weak reverse too). https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/1067512/lets-play-is-it-a-proof-or-not-trade-dollar-edition
wow, some serious discussions, would I still buy it after these facts above? YES if the price was right.
Looks like it's missing a word . . . COPY. I'm certainly no expert, heck I'm not even much above novice, but my gut reaction to the posted photos was it is a fake, but that's just my opinion.
The advice from the CT experts here are don't buy one unless it's graded by a TPG. That was the reason I suspected this coin.
I agree with you. I also think all the details are too thick, like they were trying to obtain a cameo. I don't think I would touch this one.
