I bought a 2006 ASE set on eBay last week because I could not find one in my LCS for several months. On Saturday I received the set packaging with no coins. I contacted the seller and he promised to ship a replacement immediately. I received a replacement today and the reverse proof was not in its capsule and impaired (obverse scratch). Needless to say I'm disappointed and I will be returning it. This was from a brick and mortar coin shop in another state. Ironically, I've had better luck buying from regular people.
I do know that when I sold the 2011 silver set to a few ebay customers, they also reported coins out of holders. Not sure why the first package he sent you had no coins, but sometimes the mint is really at fault if the coins are loose. They need to have their original packaging hold the coins more secure.
Sorry to hear that happened to you. IMO, it is better to buy older US Mint products in OGP from the small-time/occasional seller or collector looking to liquidate. When you see in the listing that they are the original owner or held the item in their personal collections, these are the ones more likely to be better quality. TC
Thanks everyone I already have the burnished and proof 2006s. I may just buy a slabbed reverse proof. 2006 was a terrible year financially and I couldn't spare the $100 at the time.
Thanks for your advice. Paid a few dollars more but it was well worth it buying from someone with pictures of the actual coins.
Yankee: These coins were notorious from escaping from their mint capsules. However, keep trying, you'll get it eventually.