What is the value of an 1877 trade dollar that opens to secret holding area?

Assuming it was a genuine trade dollar, it would have been worth something between $75 and $500, depending on the mintmark and condition before someone cut it up. Now a coin collector would be interested in it only as a novelty, not as a collectible coin, and there really isn't any value guide for such things. About the only way to determine the value would be to put it up for auction and see what kind of interest it attracts. I would expect it to bring somewhere in the $25-50 range, but it is unusual and over 100 years old so if two or more people get interested, bidding could go a lot higher.

AnswerYou have what is known as a "coin box" or "opium dollar". These were popular items back in the late 1800's and early 1900's.

It's pretty rare to find one in good condition today. They generally sell for $200 or more.

There is one currently listed on eBay here.

More information and pictures of one can be found here.

Dan Moore The Working Man's Rare Coins http://www.workingmancoins.com