Expert: PAPAJACK - 8/26/2007

Question
Hi.
First I'm not an expert. I like silver dollars. I've just got silver dollar from 1800 (draped bust/ eagle and shield ). I read on internet that this dollar have "edge: Lettered - HUNDRED CENTS ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT (various ornaments between words)" (see www.coinfacts.com). I have edge reeded like in silver kennedy half dollar from 1964. I cannot see any letters there. It's a copy or what?

Answer
Hello Hubert,                                    

Coin facts has great images to compare your coin with for identification.
None of the 1800 dollars I have heard of are reeded on the edge. you may have a reproduction or fake made from another coins blank.
Try comparing it to the specifications below. I could see a Morgan or peace dollar being defaced and re-struck with a reproduced die.

The 1798 to 1804 dollars measured  26.96 grams 39 to 40 MM diameter and lettered edge.
Later dollars after 1840 were 26.73 grams and a 38.1 mm diameter
the trade dollar was 27.22 grams and 38.1 mm diameter.
And the Morgan type was 26.73 grams and 38.1 mm diameter.

If it was a copy/reproduction then I believe it would have the edge lettering.

See what you find out and write me back for more help or the location of an expert in your area. Mark the question private as well.

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Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack