Just found this on eBay. Atleast they tell you it's a replica: http://cgi.ebay.com/Replica-1873-Tr...em&pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item3cade9d004
I think most of them say that up front in order to be in line with Ebay rules, but then they just ship out coins that don't have the stamp on them. Gotta love his English. Some of this stuff should be posted over on Engrish.com
eBay has no policy to that effect, only that the seller be truthful in their ad. The HPA; however, does state that any reproduction of genuine numismatics must say COPY or REPLICA, or REPRODUCTION on it.
Yep, not necessarily. With a seller that deals in replicas, I wouldn't rule out that he uses stock photos.
eBay does have a policy in effect. It says you must follow the HPA, but their interpretative of it; HPA says the coin must be stamped with the word "COPY" in big letters (size is spelled out). eBay's translation is the coin must be marked in its picture - size immaterial and "COPY" or "REPLICA" is acceptable.
Although I absolutely believe you are correct, it is against eBay's rules and their listing will be pulled if you can prove that. In this case, eBay actually interprets "the" as specifically the coin being sold - the only exception being for bulk lots.