Why does china get to make replica's of our U.S coins? I mean do we make replica's of theirs? NO! We don't! Plus, They sell them on ebay for like $100 for a $1000 coin. That's when you know somethings up. Sometimes they say 'Replica', but not all the time. Like if you agree with this statement.
When Coin World ran the 2-part interview about Jinghuashei in December, 2008, I recall that CW was informed that these private mints were allowed by Chinese law to reproduce any coin more than 20 (or 25?) years old that had been redesigned. This even includes Chinese coins. The problem that arose, is that the word "REPLICA" does not have to be included as part of the design for any coin that is intended for sale in the Asian market. Chris
Why? Because some Chinese have embraced capitalism to it's fullest; plus it is LEGAL and PROFITABLE. And most are sold for a few dollars, with the exception of 90% silver replicas which sell for slightly above melt. The only replicas that are sold for the prices you indicate are the ones being sold fradulently. If listed properly under the "Replica" category on eBay (and properly marked), there shouldn't be a problem. However, it becomes problem when these "manufacturers" fail to place the required "COPY" stamp on their coins as required by the HPA.
Mature markets like the US tend to regulate commerce so that the rule of thumb is "Caveat Vendor" often translated 'let the seller beware.' Emerging markets like China's tend to NOT regulate commerce so that the rule of thumb is "Caveat Emptor" usually translated 'let the buyer beware.' This is a link with additional information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caveat_emptor
Why ? Because in China it is perfectly legal for them to do so. And why don't we ? Because in the US it is not legal for us to do so. We can't the laws of China anymore than China can change the laws in the US.
