Does this seem fishy?

So I was checking out my local craigslist ads for some coins as usual. I came across this one. I really like the look. However, it seems a little strange to me. The ad states that it is grade by PCGS. But it doesnt appear to be in a slab. Does anyone else find that strange? I can understand if it was taken prior to submission, but then why wouldn't you show the slab? Especially for a coin of this cost. Here is the image from the ad:


I emailed the poster to ask why it wasn't in a slab and if it is, what is the cert number.

 

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Did the seller mention the grade of this PCGS coin? Could it be that it's in a "Genuine" holder and he didn't want to show it? The toning looks a little odd to me, but I don't collect that series to know enough about them.

Chris

 

It does seem a little strange. I think you are correct in asking the seller about it. Please let us know how he responds.

 

Could be a stock photo from where he purchased it? No excuse for not having current photo's or a camera to take them. If your going to sale online you have to have a freaking camera.
Everything looks good with the coin, but with no current photos of the holder - forget that! I've gambled with many low end modern coinage where the seller states these are stock photo's, but I have also bought tons from the seller.

 

From the ad:
"This coin is Certified AU50 by PCGS, but everyone that has seen it thinks it should be AU58 (or 55 worst case).
Anyways it is a $1000+ coin (even at AU50) per the PCGS price guide, and we believe it could be 55-58 if sent in for regrade"

 

If that is a low end coin to you, then kudos on your success!

 

how would it grade higher if you send it in again to re-grade?? would pcgs be like "oh we messed up it should really be 55"

im totally new to coins etc... but just using logic, that doesn't make much sense right?

 

Well, it all depends who graded the coin that particular day, and what their mood was. It is not uncommon to resubmit a coin and get a higher or lower grade. It is very common to send it to a different TPG and receive a different grade as well.

 

ahh ok! thanks LOL that makes more sense now

 

it sure is beautiful! hope you get a good deal on it

 

No no no - I just meant that was the only time I bought sight unseen... That Sitting Liberty is far from being low end - maybe for Bill Gates it's low end?

 

Oh gotchya! This would be the largest single-coin purchase for me if I buy it. Which, I probably won't. I already have the negative feelings towards it.

 

Well it looks like a legit tall date to me. Though someone may have looked up the wrong price as its only listed in GS @ 215 Now if it were a 1846 o tall date then it would be worth considerable more. I think if it would up grade it may goto a 53 at best. The lack of luster is whats throwing me off , it may be the pictures

 

Heard that! You have to go with what your gut is telling you! Man that's a lot of money to not have reservations of it's authenticity! I would look elsewhere unless he mails it to you first for your approval - but thats not going to happen cause this is far from a perfect world.
When the economy is tough is when the slime comes out in all forms and makes us buyer work twice is hard. You have to stay suspicious, so you did the right thing buy posting your concerns! GO WITH YOUR GUT!

 

If it is such a nice coin then why doesn't the seller have it re-graded? When it comes to Craig's List I would want to know the return policy, payment terms, credit card policy, other trade references, location etc. Good luck with whatever you do. Other than it not appearing to be in a PCGS holder, the coin in the photo looks OK.

 

Good point. Locally (Detroit) there has been some coin scammers rearing their ugly heads. Not to mention the murders stemming from craigslist, for crap like a phone or engagement ring. sigh

 

My friend that lives up there almost walked into a car buying scam. They basically sale a car on Craig's for super cheap. Get you to come take delivery and rob you at gun point! A couple of the same instances actually made the news and everytime a real gun is involved.
(Doesn't help when the good guys are disarmed by draconian gun laws in that region!)
Those thieves in that area are getting more brazen everyday since the PO-PO shortage!
If your going to do a face-to-face do it in public, or better yet have them meet you at a bank or something, and bring a friend or five with concealed carry permits!

 

Is it possible that it's one of those "The coin WAS graded by AU 50 PCGS, but being such a nice coin I craked it out to re-submit it and never got around to it, so I'm selling it as is" kind of deals?

 

I don't know where the seller gets a $1000 price from, but numismedia.com lists AU50 @ $258, AU55 @ $360 and AU58 @ $540.

 

You've never bought from craigslist.com have you?

There are usually, no returns, cash only, no shipping. Sellers on craigslist.com want to keep their expenses on sales at $0.00