Is This Trade Dollar Real Or A Fake?

I can't tell for sure myself, but I can't see anything obvious that sets off a red flag from the pics. Are you buying from ebay?

Here is a small guide from ebay to start with to learning about fake Trade dollars.

http://reviews.ebay.com/Fake-U-S-Tr...000000049445

Edit: And a list of several more guides from ebay.
http://search.reviews.ebay.com/Trad...11116QQuqtZg

Cool, I see that swamperbob has written a fantastic guide on this very subject. Very informative. Maybe he can offer his insight here.

http://reviews.ebay.com/What-to-do-...000001244384

it is going to be for my type set and that rim ding is what keeps it a $100.00 coin instead of a $1000.00 coin. I can live with the bump if its real and I think it will look pretty good in the dansco album with the ding and all

Bryan1315 - I presume that the source for this coin is US and not China. But do you trust the seller? Would you believe his answers to a few critical questions?

If the answer is yes - ask the following.

1. Where did you get this coin?
2. How long have you owned it?
3. Has it been weighed accurately?
4. Has a Specific Gravity been done?
5. Is it returnable should it prove to be a forgery?

With those questions answered favorably, I would likely buy the coin just to see what it is. Not much risk if you can return it.

I person, I would duplicate the tests for weight and SG then look at the edge. Finally I would look at a few specific areas that I see on the faces.

With regard to Area One - I am concerned that the spots could be casting evidence. Area Two looks like a possible mold seam and Three could point to casting once again.

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