Trade Dollar Authentication: Is Your 1873-S Real? Essential Diagnostic Guide

The Authentication Crisis in Trade Dollar Collecting

With sophisticated counterfeits flooding the market, mastering the specific diagnostic points for Trade Dollars is critical for any serious collector. Trade Dollars, particularly those from the Carson City and San Francisco mints, have become prime targets for counterfeiters. The 1873-S Trade Dollar in question represents one of the most commonly faked dates in the series, making proper authentication absolutely essential before any purchase.

Historical Significance of the 1873-S Trade Dollar

The 1873-S Trade Dollar was struck during a pivotal moment in American monetary history. These coins were specifically designed for international trade with Asia, particularly China, where the silver content and distinctive design made them popular. The “S” mint mark indicates production at the San Francisco Mint, which was strategically located to facilitate trade with the Orient. With a mintage of approximately 700,000 pieces, the 1873-S is neither the rarest nor the most common date in the series, but its historical importance and silver content make it a frequent target for counterfeiters.

Weight: The First Line of Defense

Weight is perhaps the most reliable initial test for Trade Dollar authentication. Genuine Trade Dollars should weigh precisely 420 grains (27.22 grams) with a tolerance of only +/- 0.05 grams. This specific weight was mandated by the Coinage Act of 1873 and is non-negotiable for authentic specimens.

Counterfeiters often miss this critical specification. Common fake weights include:

• 27.0 grams (too light – indicates silver-plated base metal)
• 27.5 grams (too heavy – indicates incorrect alloy composition)
• 26.8 grams (significantly underweight – suggests modern reproduction)

When examining the coin in question, ensure you’re using a precision digital scale calibrated to at least 0.01 gram accuracy. Any deviation beyond the acceptable tolerance should raise immediate red flags.

Magnetic Properties: A Simple but Effective Test

Trade Dollars were struck in 90% silver and 10% copper, making them completely non-magnetic. This property serves as an excellent screening tool for obvious counterfeits.

Testing procedure:

1. Use a strong neodymium magnet
2. Hold the magnet near the coin’s surface (don’t touch)
3. Observe any magnetic attraction
4. Rotate the coin to test different areas

Any magnetic response indicates a counterfeit, as the base metal likely contains iron or steel components. Be aware that some sophisticated fakes use non-magnetic base metals, so passing this test doesn’t guarantee authenticity, but failing it confirms a fake.

Die Markers and Design Details

Authentic 1873-S Trade Dollars exhibit specific die characteristics that counterfeiters often miss or incorrectly reproduce. Key diagnostic points include:

Obverse Details

The Liberty head should show:

• Fine hair detail with individual strands visible
• Clear delineation between the headband and hair
• Sharp definition in the cotton and wheat wreath
• Properly proportioned stars with distinct points

Reverse Details

The eagle and inscriptions should display:

• Sharp feather detail on the eagle’s wings
• Clear distinction between the shield lines
• Properly formed “Trade Dollar” lettering with consistent font weight
• Clear mint mark position and style

Common Fakes and Their Telltale Signs

Understanding the most common counterfeit types helps in quick identification:

Cast Counterfeits

These are created by making molds from genuine coins. Look for:

• Pitting or granular texture on the surface
• Soft, indistinct details
• Irregular edge reeding
• Tool marks around design elements

Spark Erosion Counterfeits

Created using electrical discharge machining, these show:

• Fine granular texture across the entire surface
• “Soft” appearance to all details
• Irregular luster that doesn’t match genuine cartwheel effect

Transfer Die Fakes

More sophisticated, made from impressions of genuine coins:

• Excellent detail reproduction
• Correct weight (often)
• Requires careful examination of die markers

Professional Testing Methods

For high-value specimens, consider these additional authentication methods:

Specific Gravity Test

This test confirms silver content by measuring density:

1. Weigh the coin in air
2. Weigh the coin suspended in water
3. Calculate specific gravity using the formula
4. Genuine Trade Dollars should read approximately 10.3-10.5

Sigma Metalytics Testing

Professional electronic testing can detect:

• Surface plating on base metal cores
• Incorrect alloy compositions
• Internal inconsistencies

Microscopic Examination

Under 10-30x magnification, examine:

• Coin wear patterns (should be consistent with circulation)
• Surface texture and luster
• Edge reeding quality and consistency
• Any signs of casting or tooling

Visual Assessment and Grade Considerations

The forum discussion suggests the coin appears to be in About Uncirculated (AU) or Mint State (MS) condition, possibly MS-58 based on the seller’s photos. When authenticating high-grade specimens, pay particular attention to:

• Original mint luster (should be unbroken in protected areas)
• Bag marks (should be consistent with the grade)
• Strike quality (Trade Dollars typically have good strikes)
• Surface preservation (no signs of cleaning or tampering)

Conclusion: Protecting Your Investment

The 1873-S Trade Dollar represents both a significant historical artifact and a valuable collectible. With sophisticated counterfeits becoming increasingly common, proper authentication is not optional but essential. By understanding and applying the diagnostic criteria outlined above – particularly weight verification, magnetic testing, and careful examination of die markers – collectors can protect themselves from costly mistakes.

For the coin in question, the forum members’ positive initial impressions suggest a promising specimen, but these visual assessments must be confirmed through proper testing before any purchase commitment. Remember that even experienced collectors can be fooled by high-quality counterfeits, so when in doubt, seek professional authentication from reputable grading services.

The satisfaction of owning an authentic piece of American trade history is worth the extra effort required for proper authentication. Your diligence today protects your collection’s value tomorrow.

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