I bought a 1988 Eagle Silver Proof on eBay and it turns out it's missing the Certificate of Authenticity as advertised. The seller was kind enough to point this out before sending and wants to know if I still want the coin. Does the COA effect the value much? I paid $38 including shipping so feel like I got a good price but have no idea how much the COA effects the value. Appreciate any feedback. Thanks.
It doesn't change the value much, but be careful! the certificate guarantees that it is not a counterfeit coin.
Then it might be a counterfeit. You might want to post a picture when you get it, and be ready with a refund.
No, the COA won't really affect the value of a silver eagle. Have you handled enough ASE's that you feel confident that you can detect a fake? It's sad that we have to do that these days. However it does seem to be the state of collecting.
I've asked the seller to send me a photo before sending, I'll post if and when I receive it. Thank you!
Thank you for the feedback. No I'm new to collecting and I'm not sure I would be able to detect a counterfeit. The seller also indicated they can't find the S so I asked them to send me a photo. I'm guessing no S means fake?
You sure? I don't have my reference material at work, but I believe San Francisco started minting proofs in 1986. But then again, my memory ain't what it used to be either!
I found a website with the annual reported minting for ASE's. Yes, San Francisco did in 1986 release proof ASE's. It was the first year for a proof ASE...... So to the OP, if your seller has a 1986 ASE with no mint mark, it is not a proof ASE.
I don't collect them either, but I believe that Bluntflame was saying that proofs without the S mm are known for the time period, not that no San Francisco proofs were produced for the year.
If this helps, only San Francisco produced proof ASE's from 1986 until 1992. So to be a true proof ASE it has to display an "S" mintmark.
If it is a proof coin, it should have the mint mark. Bullion in this case is referring to the uncirculated, which would not have the mint mark. Please read here, about midway down it mentions this~ http://www.coinnews.net/coins/the-american-eagle-silver-coin-history-design-prices-and-mint-figures/
Photos from seller, were they clear? Because the coin could be an uncirculated, not proof- which if photos are fuzzy, could make it difficult for you to determine which, so only relying on seller description. Also, I know you mention no COA, but is there a U.S. mint case with it? The proof coins should be inside a protective capsule in a royal purple (if not mistaken, I know the later ones are purple) velvet case.
Not having a COA (and often the outer cardboard box)is not unusual, as these are often lost over the years. Also, the COA in itself does not indicate real or not, as anyone could place a COA paper with a coin that did not originally come with that coin. The main thing is the lack of the S mint mark, if it is actually a proof and not an uncirculated. The good thing about eBay is that if after receiving the coin, you determine it to be a fake, you can file a claim through eBay, and get all your money back.
