So I feel like I'm ready to start going back another generation and start looking at Trade Dollars. I've finished and mastered (at least in my own mind) Peace Dollars, I'm very well versed with Morgans, and am approaching completion of the set. I'd like to start learning more about Trade dollars, even though I know there are some "moon money" items that may take a while. Any online sites that specialize, and any books that anyone recommends? Any direction from current collectors of Trade Dollars? Thanks to all in advance!
Bowers 3rd Edition guide to Dollars and Trade dollars. It is on eBay and quite reasonably priced. It is blue I believe.
Trade Dollar Refence Set http://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/showcase.aspx?sc=1220 I started at peace dollars too and did a couple of sets before migrating to type. I chose a 75cc chopmark Trade dollar in PCGS 50 for my type piece and was hooked. I decided to do a CC set as the two red book varieties (76cc DDR & 75 S/CC) both tie in and then add in the Hub types but then realized I had all the tough ones (or so I thought). It stated my specialization into the series where I met many like minded collectors. I would encourage you to join the LSCC (best money spent in the hobby) and find a mentor as I did with Keoj who is writing a book (don't hold your breath). I have a reference set that I consider to be complete with a few sun sets mixed in. 1)Date and mint mark complete with a 78p for good measure 2)S mint Date run of chop mark examples with at least one from the CC and P mint as well 3) 73-76 Wide CC mm run 4) all major DDO, DDR, RPD and MPDs 5) all Hub combos of the major type 1 and 2 Obv and Rev from 75-76 6) all of the micro s coins and there large S counter points. 7) both a proof and circulation strike 76p 4finger coin Here is a basic chart that shows what the major changes were for 75 & 76 If you have any specific questions feel free to PM me.
One of the resident pros on trade dollars @Mainebill suddenly vanished last summer and has been MIA since.
The book by Bowers is free to use on the Liberty Seated Collector Society site. Simply go to the heading labeled Education & Resources. Select online resources from the drop down list. Bowers book is the last one listed. It is also in much better shape than the copy I bought in 1998.
Here's a CW article with some additional information on trade dollar hub types: http://www.coinworld.com/news/us-co...etails-fourth-trade-dollar-reverse-hub.2.html
For the brave few willing to buy raw (not advised if new to the series) here is a thread on spotting fakes. https://www.cointalk.com/threads/how-do-you-spot-fake-trade-dollars-anyway.63695/
There is a little town outside of Punxsutawney Pennsylvania (where I live) called "Trade City". Perhaps there? Heh.
