If you don't have any objections I would like to know based on experience if there are certain dealers to avoid on ebay. I am not trying to stir up anything and if you want send a private message that would be fine. I just don't want make mistakes I could avoid I feel it is easier to learn from others than try and make all the mistakes myself. Thanks Kent
Read the sellers feedback ratings, they speak volumes. Also read the listings, if the descriptions seems very over-the-top Im always suspicious. I dont mind flagging a Canadian power seller by the name of The_Ashman. Without going into specifics, poor packaging, coins are sent by pony express, and obnoxious behavior just for starters. (Its too bad sellers cant leave feedback comments anymore. You'd see what I mean) She'd be the 1st woman Id hit if I ever met her in person. Stay away from her, you wouldn't even want this witch as a neighbour 10 houses down the road, as she would bring down property values.
Kent, A lot depends on what you're looking for. If you're looking for investment grade coins, it's best to find reputable sellers and stick with them. I've received some very nice coins from Great Southern, Best Chrystal, TFCN, HCC, DonV, Chuck Frujanic (aka Pink Panache)...to name a few. There are some very reputable sellers out there, but everyone knows them and bids accordingly. If you're looking for a diamond if the rough, they're out there, but you have to be more careful. As a general rule, don't bid on anything you don't understand unless you're willing to take a loss. It's like buying stock in a company you haven't researched. There are sellers that (perhaps honestly) overstate the condition of their coins a grade or two. If you know this and bid accordingly, you can get some nice coins at reasonable prices. HSTURN is an example of this type of seller. Other sellers will purposely misrepresent coins. Warning signs are fuzzy, overlit pictures that show faux mint luster and little detail. These sellers usually dip lower grade AU to UNC coins and pass them off as MS-65++. TARHEELR is an example of this type of seller. I've gotten some of my best "diamonds in the rough" from sellers that really don't know what they have. They may sell other types of merchandise and a friend asks them to list some coins they inherited. They take poor pictures and describe the coins as "good" when, in fact, they're uncirculated (good to them). If you're looking to put together some circulated coin sets as a hobby, it's tough to get ripped off too bad on eBay (probably not at all). If you're looking to make an investment in coins, stick with PCGS or NGC graded, brilliant uncirculated, key date coins from reputable dealers (personal opinion). Hope this helps...Yakpoo.
Kent, buying on EBAY, is like walking across the street. You look all around and then, proceed with caution.
The problem is that while one person may have a bad experience, another may have a good experience. I know you have to be very cautious with some sellers(like Furjanic) - not that they are bad, but you have to know what you are doing. Great Southern juices their pictures and I stay away. Others like vette, ernie, etc. - be very cautious of and look closely at the pictures. If the pictures leave any doubt then stay away. I would also stay away from sellers that want to charge a restocking fee and those that do not have a good return policy. Even if the coin is in a slab(PCGS, NGC) if the picture is lousy stay away - some of them can be dogs.
The few coins I've bought from Chuck have been really nice pieces, but I have to admit, I skip over many of his offerings...mostly because they're not the quality I'm looking for. At least he doesn't hide behind shoddy camera work.
Kent, As you can see, you asked a pretty tough question. As I said earlier, "...don't bid on anything you don't understand unless you're willing to take a loss."
I made a recent indian head cent purchase and the seller packed up shop and canceled his account before I received my coin. I only paid $1.04 for the coin,but that should not matter. Apparently I am not the only one he did this to.There were many people taken by this guy. His user id was goodcentsnj look at all the negative feedbacks he has....If I had seen these I would have not even bothered with him!
Done!! you talked me into it. I don't own any coins of this caliber.(except for my proof coins,and a PCGS PR69 DCAM 2001 Rhode Island Silver state quarter) I figured a 1909 Lincoln vdb is the best coin to start with. If it is ok with you I will pay for it tomorrow around noon.I need to go to the bank and load my debit card. Thanks for this wonderful opportunity.
Oh yes. I TRIPLE THAT ASSESSMENT. I bought by 1911 D from him lacquered. I tried to communicate with him about 9 months later when I finally realized I had been duped with this lacquered coin. I asked if we could work out a deal and he told me to "take off" essentially. Don't remember the exact words but I could pull it up. Very rude, unscrupulous person. My 1912 D for $98 was lacquered too, but I got most off. The 1911 D was $180!!!!!!!! $278 bucks for $50-75 dollars worth of coins (or so).
http://cgi.ebay.com/1955-DOUBLE-DIE...%2BIA&itu=US-WP%2BBS%2BUCI%2BUCC&otn=12&ps=33 Are there two types of errors? Is his sister really a virgin? Do you want to find out? Do you know how? Sooo many questions.hya:
I would AVOID sellers from China (Asia for that matter) and sellers who recommend you make communications outside of ebay. Also, don't buy from sellers who use stock pictures and not the actual image of the item. I hope this helps.