Thinking of buying a U.S. gold coin from eBay. The listing states it is in a sealed/unopened U.S. Mint box. What are the chances the owner hasn't opened the box to inspect the coin and see if it has a potentially higher value and then figured out a way to reseal the box?
Even if legitimate, what do you do with it, if it is flawed? You will have to sell it at close to bullion's cost and gold is down right now. It could be potentially lower in value as well as higher.
Is there some reason why you want to buy in the sealed box? Are you going to be sending it in to a third party grader to get a special label? Is that even possible after this time? Just thinking out loud. I'm assuming the cost is probably over $1000. For that much money I'd want to see the coin or in this case at least purported pictures of the coin. That's just my opinion.
How would you know if its been tampered with? I think the answer would be fairly obvious upon close examination. But then, you should be able to tell from photographs of all 6 sides. I have purchased coins in Sealed US Mint boxes but these are usually older proof sets. The only time I purchased a modern coin(s) in a sealed shipping container was during the 2008 Rev of 07 SAE flurry back in 2008. The reason for "that" purchase was for a First Strike™ label and the hopes of an MS70. Didn't happen.
Never buy a pig in a poke! It's that simple! Un searched rolls, unless opened boxes are a fools game. You're lured in by hype and hope, and then your bubble burst by another slick con man.
If the seller has good feedback I think it would be okay, but only if you wanted it raw. Why not buy a graded one?
I would buy it from a trusted seller only. I'd also want a return policy from the seller, not just the eBay guarantee.
This sealed box "craze" is akin to the bank or unsearched rolls of the 1950s and 1960s. And, why would you buy a beautiful gold coin and then never open the box to look at it?
Apples and oranges. Thousands of sealed boxes from 2009 forward get sold on ebay. Look at how many of the reverse proof Trumans sold as sealed boxes. Same with March of Dimes. Same with many recent releases. This isn't a pig in a poke for recent releases. This is the preferred way for buyers to be able to buy what hasn't been cherrypicked. Just buy from a reputable seller. Hint for you. The original US Mint invoice should be inside the box.
Thank you all so much for the help. I'm new to the game and have a lot to learn, but it's nice to know I have a whole group of people I can turn to for advice when I need it.
