eBay rant about deceptive sellers who have high ratings

I personally have no problem with a seller showing a coin in its "best light", much like jewelry shops showcase their diamonds under rediculous lighting, but now that I've examined this sellers photos more closely, it's become apparent to me that they "airbrush" away flaws, and that is a big no-no in my book.

 

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Here's another of the seller's photos. I would just about bet you that there are marks within the areas circled. I think I'll try and buy this coin to test my theory.

 

The coin that I purchased had similar areas of lower resolution. I know what you mean, it looks like a clone stamp or a blur of some type (I am, like you, very familiar with these tools). However, once the coin arrived there were no major disturbances in those areas as evidenced in my photos. Sorry to repeat myself, but after having the coin in-hand I think that what you're referring to is jpeg/compression artifacts that appear as blurring, but look forward to your own in-hand assessment and photos, and would happily send my coin to you if you don't want to spend the money on the '32. It will cost you only a stamp to return it. PM me if you're interested. You could also see it @ FUN in January if you are coming.

 

Here's something that I've proven to myself through this thread:

1) Don't jump to conclusions based on photos.
2) Just when you think you know something, maybe you really don't.
3) Long duration exposures in indirect light make for some pretty killer circulated copper photos. I was really struck (and frankly surprised) with the quality of this three second exposure using the ambient/diffused/indirect light in my office:

 

I got feedback from a customer that thankfully made me aware of a major flaw in my coin photographic representation. The customer thought the coin was BU RB because I did not pay attention to the "reflective light" while taking the photo. The coin was actually reflecting the tone of my skin , giving it a surface that appeared to still have mint luster when in fact it was just a dark brown circulated coin.

 

Here's some more grist for the mill. This is an 09S the seller has up currently.http://cgi.ebay.com/1909s-LINCOLN-C...13?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item4cf35752cd
Here's where the seller got the coin.http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350412563287&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

All in all this has been a very interesting and informative thread. Thanks leadfoot, for putting out the funds to buy the example being discussed.
I think the bottom line is that this seller isn't one I would do business with. Whether it's doctored coins or pics, it doesn't really matter, I think it's been shown that this seller isn't exactly on the up and up. It goes to show you the value of finding a good seller that you can trust to provide accurate pics and descriptions, especially on ebay.

 

Are you sure that's the same coin?

 

I'm very confidant it's the same one. Here they're side by side.

 

Now that is fascinating, isn't it.

 

If he has doctored coins that well, he and Thad need to go into partnership and get themselves patents.

BTW, from what I can make out, I suspect that he is. See also http://cgi.ebay.com/1909s-LINCOLN-C...42?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item35adcad42a and http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...=%2BV7qC42cd9HWQeZ8%2Fkh9UkCQRsw%3D&viewitem=

 

Wow - fascinating thread - and good detective work on the part of many posters.

Will the real Abe Lincoln please stand up?

Ken

 

The buyer's are protected with a " Return " guarantee, so like Leadfoot did, take a shot.

 

And I thought the guy just took crappy images. Looks like I was wrong.

 

I think I will still just skip auctions like this and let others maybe get a bargain.

I hesitate to call it doctoring, but he his already using Thad's product. And see answer above - I will just skip these auctions.

 

I am a bit late with contributions to the party (haven't had much time lately to cruise the forums) - however I just wanted to comment on your PS skills. many props! also thought to keep the thread alive for those infrequent visitors like me who might have missed it .

 

This seller likes to sell junk pennies; i just paid $3.00 for 5 pennies that didn't match his description. E-bay gave me a partial refund. I left real nasty feedback for this seller. I wish I would have left all the websites and complaint sites so other buyers could check him out before buying from him. After E-bay closed my case, I still paid $1.00 for five pennies.

 

You have something twisted. He starts all his auctions at $0.99. Just how did you get 5 cents for $3.00? You also say you left "real nasty feedback", but he has only received 1 negative in the last 6 months and that was for a $300.00 coin. Are you sure you are talking about this seller?