I have a question regarding Trade Dollars: Are they worth more with chop marks or less? (I had been looking at an auction preview for one coin and I'm wondering if it could be potentially affordable).

It all depends what you like. Some marks advertising the store. I have one without chop marks. It's slabed. I was worried when I sent it in because they are counterfeits all over. I was nervious. Thankfully my seller came through.

It's all in what you like. There are lots of people that collect them both ways. Check out auction archives.