Having pored over the ksparrow article regarding the many and varied examples of US Trade Dollars, I was definitely taken aback. Having been entrusted with an example for evaluation by a neighbor, I read & re-read the article while comparing the specimen for any types of poorly duplicated details. Looking at the 1871-s date, it's not a valid year. Later, seeing the poor lack of uniformity in the 360 degrees of the obverse I knew just what I was looking at. Never having had the opportunity for any comparisons, and further - the non-genuine example I was holding as a first, the plain truth became more and more obvious. Fake coin!! Anyway, now before ever acquiring a genuine specimen it's got to be authenticated by an expert. The weight and exact dimension will be the next piece of authentication I may use myself once the essential devices are added to my 'workshop' of numismatic items. Thanks again and hope to read more articles like this one regarding the many ways to detect known ways in which the counterfeiters have cleverly tried to 'dupe' those of us who are serious numismatists.
It would be appreciated if you could post clear photos of both sides of the coin. many of us are still learning. Thank you.
yeah, ever since them new boys started coming into town we keep seeing less and less pictures. wonder where they all disapeared to
