OK, since when were chop marks considered a good thing? I know I search for unmolested and unfilled/repaired trade dollars but I don’t know about everyone else. Don’t chopmarks detract from the coin? I found this on eBay: You are bidding on a RARE 1769 Mexican minted 8 Reale (piece of eight) with no less than 10 Chinese chop marks! http://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-Mexico-minted-1769-SPANISH-8-REALE-piece-eight-CHOP-MARKS-/320820607144?_trksid=p4340.m1374&_trkparms=algo%3DPI.WATCH%26its%3DC%2BS%26itu%3DUCC%26otn%3D15%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D5382717721668190849
It was quite a few years ago, say 10 or so. Of course there was always a subset of collectors who were fond of chop-marked coins. But as it did with many coins, the internet help to greatly increase their popularity. And along with popularity came acceptance. There was even a time when the TPGs wouldn't slab a chop-marked coin, the chops were considered damage (as I think they should be). But even that changed. It was just one more thing in the long list of changes that the TPGs have made because of the desires of collectors. But for some reason people always seem to forget, or not even notice that the changes have occurred.
Chopmark Collectors Club If you're interested in chopmarks you should join the CCC - the chopmark collectors club. I'm the editor of the club's newsletter, the Chopmark News. Email me at edited for a free e-subscription.
I kinda like the chopmarks. It says the coin has worked as intended and adds character. Then again, I've always been more appreciative of coins that were used than those that sat in dark closets for the past 150 years. Guy
