Here's something you don't see every day, a circulated 1874-P trade dollar: Please tell us what YOU grade the coin, and what you think PCGS graded the coin. As always, comments on how you arrived at the grade, or comments on the coin itself, both likes and dislikes, are appreciated...Mike [added smaller size pics and changed background color -- image itself is unchanged]
I'd give it an XF. If not for all the flatening of the stars and head area of the obverse, and the flatening around the high areas of the eagle, especially around the tops of the wings, it would might have passed for AU or better. Just my opinion. But, it's still a great looking coin! Guy~
nice even color with no scratches that can be seen. A superb slightly circulated coin. I would say Somewhere around AU because there is a noticable wear on the coin. AU 50?
Nice coin, really. AU55 I only see one star with noticable wear, and the eagles legs and part of the banner.
I don't know if it's the lighting or a bit of retoned rub on the tips of the wings. Save the lighting, I'd say XF-45.
By the numbers this one should grade 45 and I think it is slabbed as such. The primary difference between a 45 and 50 is the remaining luster. And while this coin does have some original luster, based on the pics there is not enough to justify a 50.
I'd have to say AU55 also because of the wear on the legs and star also. Is that a scratch coming out from the star at the 3 o' clock position? I'll have to say that PCGS also gave it an AU55.
Great replies thusfar -- thank you all! You guys seem to really have this one pegged between XF and AU. I'm happy to say nobody is too far off. For those of you who've already graded it. Let me ask you one more question -- what would you value this coin at and why?
I'd value this coin in the $300ish range, give or take $20. I like it for the eye appeal and it has a mintage of less than 1 million (987,100). Nice coin overall.
Seems like problem-free, mid grade 1874s don't show up very often at auctions by checking Teletrade and Heritgage. I like the coin as an XF-45 and think that it would probably sell for near $350 through a retail outlet.