I know, not exactly news, but please follow the link to the auction of this obvious cast fake 1875 CC. I messaged the seller about this several days ago, he said they would "look into it." It is still up, and they did me the favor of offering it to me at a discount! This morning I reported it to eBay as a fake, using the method pinned at the top of the PCGS US coins forum. https://www.ebay.com/itm/1375725344...ZZVB82&hash=item2007f648bf:g:33UAAeSwvdxqbTpH
Wow, mbarrcoins was already a high volume seller back when I was actively buying. I had them on ignore, not because they had bad coins, but because they kept swamping the new BIN listings with coins that were not underpriced (which was what I looked for). I have the impression that they're a reputable seller, but this coin looks like garbage. I wonder if they've been expanding and have a new hire that's a little too green.
I've purchased from them in the past. They have some good deals and excellent communication. This is surprising to say the least.
I’m not a counterfeit specialist, but that looks like it came off a rusty die (or casting mold) at the Beijing Mint.
They are offering a number of raw Trade Dollars together, which makes me think that they bought a group out of an old collection but did not look at them too closely before putting them up for sale. I bet this coin isn't the right weight and probably wouldn't even pass the ping test.
Seller is reputable, I've bought from them, 800k feedbacks, so I won't jump to conclusions. I see some fairly bad corrosion, especially on the reverse. Lots of raised dots (suspicious), especially obverse, but are the dies rusted? Most notable, a very severe die crack from the rim through Liberty to the banner, and some really strong "die polish" lines. Are these known features on a genuine die pair? I browsed HA and didn't land on one like it, but no clue on how many die pairs were used. Expert needed. Calling @Jack D. Young Pics for posterity.
I bought from mbarr back in 2008-09 Through eBay. Shipping paid on one nice half or proof set and the other 20 quarters shipped no additional charge. Sometimes I had no bidders at more than spot less $2.95 shipping on individual quarters and halves. $2 quarters,$4 halves. Often a box to my mailbox with 6-8 oz of silver at below $10/oz. Kept most of the nice coins. And still have some left. Never a problem but I may go back and look at a couple.
50-60% of their listings are a joke, but thar's some buried treasure in thar matey! Ask me how I know! Being retired, I have some time to sift through their grubby excretement. I'll warn you, it's monotomous as can be, but there are some top line sellers on there. And I'm talking about PCGS graded top shelf stuff. I'm too poor to buy from them, so I wander into the underground netherworld, back alleys, shady speak easys.
