RWB

Gambling machines took a toll before casinos switched to paper chits. But, you're right to be skeptical about any modern coin with extensive wear. Rock tumblers plus encouragement from flat grinders, help a lot.

2007-D dies were made in the Denver die shop. It's a nice, clear clash, and from the quantity Errorists has acquired, sufficiently available that many could enjoy searching for them. Specialist groups are aware of similar/identical clashes, but I don't think PCGS or NGC would consider them distinct enough for a separate label (unless requested/paid for). The way TPGs handled some of the state quarter clashes and die scratches would likely be appropriate.

The coins pictured are all normal looking circulation strike coins. There is no such critter as a "1964 SMS [special mint set]" coin. The ones being touted as "SMS" are merely early coins off new dies -- of which thousands were made and part of normal coinage.

If he is selling $10 in silver quarters, they are worth, just like the halves, $169.90. (If they are in a roll, they already have handling marks.)

This comment and the follow-up of: ...are somewhat confusing. Are you saying the seller was offering 20 .900 fine silver halves for $250? Market is about $8.47 each so they are worth $169.90 in silver. The seller wants $12.50 each.

Nice overlays.

Sadly, much of the hype would be impossible without the presence of TPGs. Their reputation for rare coins extends to common stuff in the minds of many, so they assume that if it's in a slab it's "rare and valuable." Then there are those who encourage such behavior for their own selfish purposes.

That's an excellent reason for the book to be a long-term, high quality resource. If you ever become interested in the series, there will be something you can go to for answers, and not dealer hype.

Nice that someone found a use for cats --- hot air "catalloon" rides for mice.

That's why the microwave oven was invented....

It is an unfortunate "rule" in the hobby that very, very few participants with deep pockets do anything to encourage publication of improved information. The approximate cost of printing a Trade Dollar book is $15,000 - a considerable sum for most of us -- but hardly more than pocket change or an overnight hotel stay for a number of collectors. That $15k does not do anything more than print the final product, so there is nothing put toward all the research, writing editing, layout and other necessities.

Several years ago, the person mentioned was asked to share some of his "vast ? expertise about Trade dollars with other collectors. The request was refused; possibly too busy, or possibly had nothing useful to say; there was no follow-up.

See: https://www.numismaticnews.net/archive/one-extra-ray-in-libertys-crown

Popularization of US coins collecting began in the mid-1850s with replacement of large coppers with small-diameter cents. People saved and organized coins from circulation. That was the normal route to more "advanced" collecting until the promotion of "independent authentication and grading." Today we find a lot of inquiries about "Should I get it graded?" and few about collecting from circulation or the relative emotional and cultural values. Sad situation, in my view.

Mr. Lange is absolutely right -- there is no way to recoup basic printing cost. The market for now and the next generation is too small. It's also not a good fit for the Whitman Guide Book series, much like Seated dollars, 2-cent and 3-cent. I'm interested in publishing so that the subject is available to collectors - but I am not a specialist in the coins and must rely on current collectors for the expertise. From what I have been shown over the past few months, there appears to be sufficient material, but considerable work would be necessary to improve organization, image quality and other things.

My purpose in asking about a Trade Dollar book here and on other message boards, is to try and nudge collectors into cooperating to produce a really good, thorough guide to the series. This includes background, series history, economic influences, hub and die varieties, chop and other "regulation" markings, and final disposition. A reasonable approach might be to produce a solid, long-lasting basic volume including necessary identification and measurement standards, plus the best 25 or 30 varieties. (These are the kinds of things that draw attention to the series.) Then prepare a digital catalog of all the varieties as a supplement that can be revised from time-to-time. Maybe that’s dreaming – to expect collectors to cooperate is almost as hard as getting any two to agree on a “grade.” But I think it is not only possible, but highly advantageous for current and future collectors of Trade Dollars. The series is short, with many die varieties, and the number of specialty collectors is small. These imply that there is only "one shot" at getting it right, and that any book should be designed to last for 50 years. The other piece that I feel is important is to learn from the mistakes made in the original VanAllen-Mallis books and the latter inundation of microscopic “varieties.” These merely clog the pipeline and confuse potential buyers/collectors. I’m interested in publishing such a “Collectors’ Guide to Trade Dollars,” but it must be a truly beneficial and cooperative effort. RWB

Great place to take a magnet to the "rare coins" on offer.... Many small towns have similar events often sponsored by a local charity. If you live in Minnesota and are moving to Arizona, it's a good place to sell your 5 snow blowers, and the 500 square yards of extra strong mosquito netting. In England they are called a "jumbles sale" and often a church parish or local Council event.

Most of those are not actually worth the asking price. The owner has sunk so much money into needless "grading" that the only way out is to sell for the coin's real value -- possibly a couple of dollars - plus the "grading" and postage spent. The result is you are being asked to pay $35 or $45 for a $3 or $4 coin. This is a tremendous distortion of the coin collecting market and values of most ordinary coins including design type coins. It also excludes many who do not want to spend so much for a coin of which billions were made and many millions survive in uncirculated condition.

Little will change. The hype and BS will get deeper and the honest people increasingly marginalized.

PS: Welcome. Members will try to help you with coin collecting. Don't hesitate to ask questions.

They are normal coins. Cents made in Philadelphia did not have a mintmark back then. Unlikely you have any errors of interest to coin collectors. Value is about 3-cents each, but that is largely for the copper. The coins have virtually no collector interest or premium. Try offering to sell some to the people asking high prices.

1966 small beads -- the I in Regina is centered under a bead. Large beads -- the I in Regina is slightly right of center under a bead. Small beads are slightly oval. (There is a small beads counterfeit with round beads and other more common defects.)

We all easily complain and reluctantly praise.

Collectors will note that the above quote from Mellon is complete BS. Most productions capacity was focused on DE that would go into storage as backing for Gold Certificates. Equipment was is poor condition due to heavy wartime use, and lack of repair and maintenance. Mellon and mint director Grant starved the Mints and assay offices. It was not until 1933-34 that director Ross and Secretary Morgenthau began rebuilding from the neglect of Harding, Coolidge and Hoover administrations. (Many public institutions including the Army and Navy suffered from similar neglect.)

Nice prize! (Very generous donor, too!)