I purchased a 1890 crown from a seller in Canada for what was a low, but not a "too good to be true" low price. This guy has over 600 100% pos feedback, no negs at all, and seems to have a huge history selling stamps, but not coins. I knew as soon as I held it, it was fake, I've handled so much silver that I can feel by texture it was fake. Nominal weight should be about 26 grams, and this baby is 6 grams underweight, so it's a fake. I wanted to contact the seller, but not really sure how to go about it..I don't think the seller was trying to pull a fast one, as they only sold a few low-value coins and maybe didn't know any better. I'm not really sure how to word this message, and I didn't want to come off as a know-it-all to the seller. Thanks
Send it back. Don't even go there with the seller. E-bay allows you what? 180 days to return something now? Don't even get into it with the guy.....
Just tell the seller that you're suspicious of the authenticity because it is approximately 6 gms. underweight, and you would like your money back. Chris
I agree with this. Tim, you aren't a know it all, since you have only been collecting a few years. However, documented facts are facts, and at 6 grams underweight its near impossible this coin is authentic. I would rely on that, that the coin is dramatically under official weight, and that is the reason you believe its fake. Don't get into style, design, or anything else less educated people can argue about. The fact is the mint had strict tolerances, and such a deviation would not even be possible even if the coin graded Poor1. Its weight and weight alone proves its false. Remember the lady with the Continental Currency dollar with HONG KONG on it? Yeah, 8 pages of absolute stubborn stupidity is what you can expect from some people who refuse to listen to reason. That is why I am saying just point to the weight and refuse to listen to any other defense of the coin if the seller offers any.
Do NOT open a case unless he is not willing to offer a refund. Send a polite message saying you suspect it is a fake because of the weight, etc, and would like to return it. Should be pretty easy. If he refuses, open a case.
Give the guy every opportunity to make it right. Like you said if his past selling history is with stmps, he most likely doesn't know he sold a fake or forgery. With 600 pos. feedbacks and no negtives, he's been a good seller and most likely wants to keep his good reputation, and will do what he can to make it right. @cpm9ball is spot on with the approach.
Definitely contact the seller and ask politely to return the coin to him. If he asks why, then say that you are suspicious of its authenticity. DO NOT open a case unless he becomes negative or abusive. A seller's reputation is very important to him, and most would do the right thing. Also, if he does right by you, leave him a POSITIVE feedback. These things do happen!
