Expert: Brad Swain - 11/29/2009

Question
I have one EXTRA large [in size] of British 1911 trade silver dollar.  The silver dollar is LARGER than the normal US Morgan dollar or the usual Qing dynasty's dragon dollars.  By the way, it seems that the usual Qing dragon dollar is slightly larger than Morgan.  Of course, I am assuming both the LARGE 1911 British trade and the dragon dollars are not "fakes".  Please advise and explain the historical facts.  THANKS!!


Answer
Hi FT, the Chinese silver dollars were 38 to 39 millimeters in diameter while the U.S. dollars were 38.1 millimeters. The British Trade Dollars were 39.0 millimeters. They were minted 1895-1935 with the 1911 having the largest number issued of any year, 37.5 million. A tiny B mintmark (Bombay) should be on the trident above Britannia's hand.
Collector value of a genuine 1911 dollar may be worth about $14 with heavy wear to around $20 with moderate wear to maybe $25 with light wear.
You likely have a replica 1911 Trade Dollar:
http://www.ecrater.com/product.php?pid=6029431
http://cgi.befr.ebay.be/Replica-45-MM-British-Trade-dollar-1911_W0QQitemZ1104552...
It may have 'COPY' on the back of it.
History of the Trade Dollar:
http://coincollecting.a-z-series.com/brief-history-of-the-british-trade-dollar18...
Genuine Chinese silver dollar coins of this period weigh 26.4 to 27.5 grams each.
U.S. dollars weigh 26.73 grams and contain .7736 of an ounce of silver.
The British Trade Dollar should weigh 26.9568 grams and would contain .7800 of an ounce of silver.
Counterfeits and fantasy pieces mass produced in East Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe abound of Chinese and U.S. coins, and many other countries'.
Chinese counterfeit factory: http://coins.about.com/od/worldcoins/ig/Chinese-Counterfeiting-Ring/Chinese-Fake... .
You might also try a library for a copy of the Standard Catalog of World Coins for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
Brad