The Coin Collecting Dictionary

Welcome to the Coin Collecting Dictionary.  Here you will find the terms, definitions, etc. that are unique to our beloved hobby.  Simply click on the letter below to bring you to all the terms and definitions for that letter.

 

           A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

T

Toning

Over time, the appearance of the surface of a coin may change due to exposure to the atmosphere.  This occurs over many, many years.  This "toning" can sometimes be attractive and is preferred by some collectors.  In other cases, toning can make a coin look downright ugly.  In some cases, unscrupulous folks will apply artificial toning to enhance the appearance.

Trade Dollar

The Coinage Act of 1873 authorized a new denomination, the silver Trade Dollar.  They weighed 420 grains each and were specifically made for foreign commerce.  Although through an oversight, they had "legal tender" status, it was later revoked on July 22nd, 1876.  The Trade Dollar continued to be produced for trade until the Bland-Allison Act of February 28, 1878 abolished them.  They were then produced only in Proof  officially through 1883 and then unauthorized by a few mint employees in 1884 and 1885.  This coin has been highly counterfeited, thus fakes are abundant. 

Trade Dollar Recoinage Act

Also known as the Act of March 3, 1891.  Due the the Trade Dollar Redemption Act (Below), the Treasury now had millions of Trade Dollars.  This act called for them to be made into new silver dollars

Trade Dollar Redemption Act

The Act of March 3, 1887, known as the Trade Dollar Redemption Act, and also called the Act of February 19, 1887 although March 3rd, 1887 was the final date on the legislation.  This act allowed holders of Trade Dollars to turn them in for Morgan Dollars or other silver coins.  Under this Act, 7,689,036 Trade Dollars, or about 20% of the entire amount minted, were redeemed. 

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