Just got a capped bust quarter for the type set. Bought it on eBay. The dealer sent it scotch taped to a piece of paper. Needless to say, there is now tape residue on the surface. Can this be cleaned without further damage to the coin ? Or should I just send it back. I can't think of anything offhand to use to clean it. But I'm thinking you guys would know. I would like to keep the coin, but very unhappy with the residue.
I would send it back. Explain to the seller that because he scotch taped it, the coin is basically damaged. Any method used to clean the coin like acetone or eZest will make the coin considered cleaned.
Acetone is your friend. Pure grade acetone from the hardware store. A mild dip of a few minutes followed by a rinse of distilled water should do you good........if you like the coin. Any other issues regarding it send that baby back from where it came.
Green stole my thunder. Acetone will remove the tape residue but only use pure acetone, not nail polish remover. And be sure to let the seller know not to tape coins to anything in the future.
I gave him 5 stars on everything and wrote in the comments the only reason I have him neutral was putting tape over the coin. If he is going to continue to sell coins, he should learn to ship them properly. If I get a return comment that shows he realizes he goofed up I will go back and change the rating to positive
Tried the acetone. It worked well enough that I will keep the coin. I went back and gave the seller a positive feedback. Thanks again for the help
It seems obvious that this guy is a seller and not a dealer. A simple note to him might have been enough, and his reaction would tell you much. This guy could be selling on ebay to feed his family... you just don't know, so unless he did something truly bad (as opposed to what might have been an honest mistake) why chance risking what may be his livelihood? While you did the right thing in changing your feedback, I do hope that in the future you're not so quick to punish unless it is well deserved. Just as you came here for and seem to appreciate the advice, the seller might feel the same towards you for informing him this is not an acceptable way to ship coins.
If it were me, I would have given a neutral feedback over packaging. Taped to a piece of paper? Really?
I have exchanged several messages with this seller. He indeed did not know what he was doing. I totally agree I reacted hastily. I rushed to judgement and admit my mistake. I gave him several things to do in handling coins. He thanked me for my advice.
Someone just got a lesson on the proper way to package up and ship stuff (coins) out. Education (for those who are open to it) is never lost. I think you did a most marvelous thing Rebop.......
I made an assumption that the seller was experienced dealer and you know what happens when you assume. After his initial reply it was clear he was a novice. I felt an obligation to help him out. Explained how to ship and how to handle coins. I also learned not to react in the heat of the moment, so a learning experience for both of us
Good for you! I understand your feelings, but even if an honest mistake that the seller was willing to make right? Come on, my friend... don't be going all Detecto on us here.
He would have wanted retribution in blood, the seller dragged over hot coals, and maybe a kick south of the border for good measure. Me, I would have been satisfied with a neutral.
Me, I would have put the seller in my favorite sellers because you may have found a less than knowledgeable seller when it comes to coins and you may have a shot at getting a real bargain and yes I would have left a positive feedback if the service was fast and shipping was reasonable, if the coin is up to snuff and came clean with the acetone and distilled water cleaning. I would ask next time, that he at least wraps the coins individually in enough paper to protect the coins from moving and getting damaged in the future and tape the outside makeshift envelopes shut. This guy might list something down the road that would be a real bargain that is incorrectly identified, has poor images or in the wrong category. IMO there's nothing wrong with getting a bargain since YOU earned the knowledge studying numismatics and did the searching, and the advantage is yours when buying since you did the work and paid your dues learning about coins. If somebody sells coins cheap, it is not dishonest to not educate them so they will do better in their sales. On the other hand, I am not saying that you should take advantage of an 85 year old grandma and rob her blind but if somebody can list an item on eBay, they can do their homework and educate themselves about what it is and how to sell it.
