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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;YNcoinpro_U.S., post: 175350, member: 3225&quot;]Somethings have already been said for authenticating trade dollars.</p><p><br /></p><p>First, find the grade of the said coin.&nbsp; The greater the wear on the coin, the better the chance of it being authentic.</p><p><br /></p><p>Second, check for weight.&nbsp; This goes along w/ the wear of the coin.&nbsp; EF-MS coins should weigh 27.22 grams, but worn coins in VF-30 and down will show lighter weights.&nbsp; Use best judgement in figuring out weights of worn coins.&nbsp; (99% of VF-30 and lower grade Trade Dollars will be authenitc, w/ the exception of chopmarked dollars, but that&#039;s a different story).</p><p><br /></p><p>Third, look for incomplete detail, primarily on the laurel leaves the Liberty is holding on the obverse (couterfiet if details don&#039;t connect, but don&#039;t rule out couterfeit if details do connect), and look for the same w/ the arrows and leaves below the Eagle on the reverse.</p><p><br /></p><p>Fourth, look for spikes coming out of the rim on the obverse and reverse.&nbsp; Spikes mean that the coin was cast or atleast counterfeited.&nbsp; I recommend using atleast a 10x loupe, but a 16x is a lot better for this detail.</p><p><br /></p><p>Finally, look for a complete reeded edge on the rim.&nbsp; If you see a line running through the middle or near the middle of the rim, that&#039;s an indication of a couterfeited coin.</p><p><br /></p><p>You could, also take a metal spectrum test which will outline content in the coin for correct metal composition.</p><p><br /></p><p>Hope this helps. <img src="styles/default/xenforo/clear.png" class="mceSmilieSprite mceSmilie1" alt=":)" unselectable="on" unselectable="on" />[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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