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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;Spooner, post: 2204994, member: 75293&quot;]Chop marks on a trade dollar are in a unique position.&nbsp; Trade dollars were specifically created to export American silver to China rather than use the coinage of other countries.&nbsp; As such, the chop mark furthers the original intent of the coinage.&nbsp; Love tokens, advertising marks and all other counter marks, serve secondary functions.&nbsp; Chop Marks are the only alterations that specifically further the original intent of the coinage.&nbsp; Perhaps it can be viewed as a crude and damaging authentication used prior to NCGS green slabs. </p><p><br /></p><p>It therefor seems totally appropriate for PCGS and NCG to certify them as problem free.&nbsp; As I see it Proofs are a bigger divergence of purpose than chop marks.&nbsp; Proofs accentuate the artistic value of a coin but at the expense of it&#039;s trade function.</p><p><br /></p><p>I put chop marks in the same class as steel pennies, silver in war nickels, and the clad coinage forced on us because of the devaluation of our money.&nbsp; Each of these is historically important precisely because it is an adaptation to the realities of the times and is an attempt to extend the usefulness of coinage as a medium of trade.&nbsp; In this sense, chop marks increase the numismatic importance of the coin at the expense of it&#039;s artistic qualities.</p><p><br /></p><p>Just another point of view, my two cents so to speak.&nbsp; Interesting topic.&nbsp; I am looking forward to other perspectives from this thoughtful group of informed people.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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