Upgrade Time - Trade Dollar

The Trade dollar was made to compete with the Mexican Peso in the orient. They were demonetized in 1876, but were still used a lower rate than face value and could be used in commerce in purchases not in excess of five dollars. IMO, it was a bust during the day of mintage, but are a boom in collectability. Chopmarks are both cheered and jeered.

Most shipped to China: Although some coins were distributed within the United States to brokers who bought them at a discount from face value and sold them to industrialists and others, by far the greatest amount of 1877-S Trade dollars went to China, where they were plentiful for decades afterward. Many were made for the Nevada Bank of San Francisco.

http://www.tradedollarnut.com/Home%...77/1877S.htm

Who's better: ANACS or NGC?

There have been many threads about which TPG is better. ANACS seems to be the best at attribution and (lowest) fees, but the least as far as added value (if any) goes. PCGS is the leader as far as added value. NGC is kinda in the middle, more-so towards PCGS as a close second, ANACS distant third...from what I understand.

Trade dollars are highly counterfeited, and are recommended to be certified authentic by a TPG.

I like the circulated look, more history to it! I like NGC and PCGS

They're both nice and the upgrade is a nice step up. However, I also like the history angle on the old one and I think it looks fine overall.