Box Dollar Fashioned out of the Obverse of an 1877-dated Trade Dollar and the Reverse of a San Franc

Box Dollar Fashioned out of the Obverse of an 1877-dated Trade Dollar and the Reverse of a San Francisco Mint Trade Dollar. Choice Very Fine.，This photo frame box dollar functions perfectly, sliding down slightly then lifting to expose the interior, which has been hollowed out and fitted with a clear celluloid disc and retaining bezel which can be removed for the placement of a photograph, lock of hair, or similar item. This specimen does enclose an antique photograph which remains sound, but so faded that all that remains is the left eye and ear of a totally unidentifiable young man. The "lid" can be lowered and slid back into place leaving the contents undetectable, except perhaps to collectors of box dollars. Stories abound of these box dollars (or "opium dollars") being used to hide and smuggle drugs, particularly opium, but at the time these box dollars were created, there were few restrictions on the use of these drugs, so there was little need to hide them.，，