"Opium" Trade Dollar

If it doesn't fit anywhere else, POST IT HERE. Numismatic related posts only.

Moderator: Daniel

Forum rules
Here's a link to how to post a topic with images in our community https://coinauctionshelp.com/welcome-to ... community/

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

You also agree to follow these guidelines. You must agree to these rules to be a member of this forum. NO SPAM! Spam is deleted within minutes, no spam will ever be left in our community.

1. Post a front and back image of your coin with a specific question about what you’re seeing or asking about and one coin per topic.

2. Please remove coin from the holder unless it’s US or an official mint case or unless it is graded by a grading service.

3. Images should be taken by a camera or cell phone camera, we ask that members don’t use images through a microscope screen.

4. Always start your own topic, please don’t ask about your coin or post your coin in someone else’s coin topic.

5. Do not send private messages about your coin unless an Admin ask you too and the same for sending emails through the board.

6. No spam. Do not post any links to your coin or other non-coin websites.

7. Always be respectful even if something makes you upset or you don’t agree with a member. You can always get a second opinion elsewhere. If you have an issue then politely ask an admin in an PM. PM’s are for issues, technical and personal, but not for coin questions (refer to number 5 on this list). Our community is not a soap box for complaining or drama, so please refrain from doing so here.[/size]
Post Reply
Message
Author
NelsonMD
Coining Around
Posts: 6
Joined: Wed Jun 29, 2022 10:34 am

"Opium" Trade Dollar

#1 Unread post by NelsonMD »

I believe I have what is known as an opium trade dollar. Anyone have experience with these? I am not sure how to open it if it is indeed a box coin. I know Daniel posted a video on these awhile back. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks!
-Mark
obv.JPG
rev.JPG
Top
User avatar
Paul
Master Die Variety Examiner
Master Die Variety Examiner
Posts: 19036
Joined: Wed May 29, 2013 9:19 pm
Location: Wisconsin
Has thanked: 905 times
Been thanked: 3311 times

Re: "Opium" Trade Dollar

#2 Unread post by Paul »

Welcome

https://coinsite.com/opium-dollars-box-coins/
C.O.N.E.C.A. Wi State Rep
Fly-In Club Wi State Rep
Top
NelsonMD
Coining Around
Posts: 6
Joined: Wed Jun 29, 2022 10:34 am

Re: "Opium" Trade Dollar

#3 Unread post by NelsonMD »

Thanks for the information! I have been reading on these but can't seem to figure out how mine opens. I don't want to damage it. Any suggestions?
Top
NelsonMD
Coining Around
Posts: 6
Joined: Wed Jun 29, 2022 10:34 am

Re: "Opium" Trade Dollar

#4 Unread post by NelsonMD »

Here is a closer look:
tdbox.JPG
Top
User avatar
Paul
Master Die Variety Examiner
Master Die Variety Examiner
Posts: 19036
Joined: Wed May 29, 2013 9:19 pm
Location: Wisconsin
Has thanked: 905 times
Been thanked: 3311 times

Re: "Opium" Trade Dollar

#5 Unread post by Paul »

I see a definite separation in the outer rim on the reverse....

Do you have any really fine dental instruments?
C.O.N.E.C.A. Wi State Rep
Fly-In Club Wi State Rep
Top
NelsonMD
Coining Around
Posts: 6
Joined: Wed Jun 29, 2022 10:34 am

Re: "Opium" Trade Dollar

#6 Unread post by NelsonMD »

I don't. I could probably find something but I don't want to damage it any further than it already is. It feels springy at the top of the reverse where the marks are on the T.
Top
monsterbug1
Coin Wizz
Posts: 411
Joined: Sun Dec 27, 2020 7:17 pm
Has thanked: 21 times
Been thanked: 77 times

Re: "Opium" Trade Dollar

#7 Unread post by monsterbug1 »

is/was this trade dollar turned into a hollow magicians coin?
Top
JTCC
Coin Guru
Posts: 5077
Joined: Sun Aug 22, 2021 7:01 pm
Location: Monroe, NY
Has thanked: 512 times
Been thanked: 1310 times

Re: "Opium" Trade Dollar

#8 Unread post by JTCC »

monsterbug1 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 02, 2022 10:08 pm is/was this trade dollar turned into a hollow magicians coin?
This coin was turned into a concealed container for, um, let’s say “substances”.
U.S. cent lover!
Top
monsterbug1
Coin Wizz
Posts: 411
Joined: Sun Dec 27, 2020 7:17 pm
Has thanked: 21 times
Been thanked: 77 times

Re: "Opium" Trade Dollar

#9 Unread post by monsterbug1 »

im tired lol. I thought the OP was calling it an "opium" trade dollar becausue it was used to buy opium products in Asia when these were minted, not because it was hollow
Top
Peggysis
Coinasieur
Posts: 184
Joined: Fri May 27, 2022 11:08 pm
Location: Arizona
Has thanked: 297 times
Been thanked: 38 times

Re: "Opium" Trade Dollar

#10 Unread post by Peggysis »

Think I have a hollow quarter somewhere that supposedly had a listening device inside. Made sense as you drop it in a couch or crack. Thanks.
Top
NelsonMD
Coining Around
Posts: 6
Joined: Wed Jun 29, 2022 10:34 am

Re: "Opium" Trade Dollar

#11 Unread post by NelsonMD »

I believe it was made from two different Trade dollars (if it's real). The obverse shows 1878 but the reverse has no mint mark meaning it is from another year. The only non mint mark from 1878 were proofs. Anyone here able to tell if indeed it is made from real trade dollars just by looking at the details? I'm still afraid to try to pry it open in fear of damaging it..but I am very curious to see what is inside.

Thanks!

-Mark
Top
NelsonMD
Coining Around
Posts: 6
Joined: Wed Jun 29, 2022 10:34 am

Re: "Opium" Trade Dollar

#12 Unread post by NelsonMD »

I was able to open it! Anyone able to authenticate something like this or have any estimate of its value?
Thanks!
-Mark
Attachments
IMG_3970.JPG
IMG_3971.JPG
Top
User avatar
Earle42
Administrator
Administrator
Posts: 15922
Joined: Tue Apr 02, 2019 11:18 am
Location: OH
Has thanked: 1371 times
Been thanked: 4972 times

Re: "Opium" Trade Dollar

#13 Unread post by Earle42 »

This is an amazing piece of history. As to value, I don't know, but if it were mine I would do an internet search including ebay SOLD auctions.
Common grading company shortcomings & resulting co$tly mi$take$ to collectors (using Kennedy No FG halves):
https://tinyurl.com/y7rksxu8

How much squash would a sasquatch squash if a sasquatch would squash squash?
Top
User avatar
Paul
Master Die Variety Examiner
Master Die Variety Examiner
Posts: 19036
Joined: Wed May 29, 2013 9:19 pm
Location: Wisconsin
Has thanked: 905 times
Been thanked: 3311 times

Re: "Opium" Trade Dollar

#14 Unread post by Paul »

NelsonMD wrote: ↑Thu Jul 07, 2022 6:25 pm I was able to open it! Anyone able to authenticate something like this or have any estimate of its value?
Thanks!
-Mark
VERY COOL
:banana-dreads: :banana-dreads: :banana-dreads:
C.O.N.E.C.A. Wi State Rep
Fly-In Club Wi State Rep
Top
JTCC
Coin Guru
Posts: 5077
Joined: Sun Aug 22, 2021 7:01 pm
Location: Monroe, NY
Has thanked: 512 times
Been thanked: 1310 times

Re: "Opium" Trade Dollar

#15 Unread post by JTCC »

I agree, very interesting. Ebay sold listings should be a good start.
U.S. cent lover!
Top
Post Reply
  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post

Return to “General US Coin Forum”