Coin and Paper Money Collecting/hollow dollar coin

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Expert: - 6/29/2009


Question
I recently "found" a 1878 silver dollar that is hollow.  When closed it appears real and doesn't look like it can be opened.  Press the right spot and it pops open.  I was told this is a dollar used to pass messages during the war. Can you tell me anything about this coin? What is this coin worth?

Answer
Linda,

You have what's known as an "opium dollar" or a "coin box".

In the 19th Century, United States Trade Dollars and some Morgan Dollars were made into, what was called, "Opium" boxes. This is a bit misleading as this coin box was probably not used to carry opium. Trade Dollars circulated in China as a trade unit. Opium was prevalent there and China was also the place where many of the boxes were made as novelties. The relationship to China, Opium and the Trade Dollar gained this creation the American tag "Opium Dollar".

These generally sell in the $200 to $300 range if in good condition.

Dan

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Dan Moore

Expertise

My strong familiarity with all U.S. Mint coins, extensive reference library, and close relationships with many other dealers allows me to identify just about any coin made in the USA. I receive regular updates to all the current price guides -- both wholesale & retail -- to provide accurate values. So, with a good description or pictures, I should be able to identify and value any U.S. coin you have.

Experience

I've been a coin dealer since the 1980's and a coin collector since the 1960's. I specialize in U.S. Silver Coins and have an active online website -- The Working Man's Rare Coins -- http://www.workingmancoins.com -- offering information and inventory in U.S. coins.

Organizations I belong to :
American Numismatic Association Member #187770
Michigan State Numismatic Society Member #8255
Florida United Numismatics Member #19710
Monroe Coin Club Treasurer
Lincoln Coin Club Board Member
WINS Member #14
CoinMasters Member #1814

Frequently Asked Questions :
I have created a Frequently Asked Questions page on my website, where you may be able to get an immediate answer to your question. You can find the page here :
http://www.workingmancoins.com/FAQ/index.htm


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