Bought a set of 2007 Presidential proofs on eBay. Described as GEM PROOF CONDITION on the auction (linked below). Opened it up and found some small marks on the rim of the Washington coin. Since I'm both new to coins and new to eBay, I'm just looking for suggestions. The marks do not appear to be in the picture on the auction. Should I accept this as is, or am I right to contact the seller and try to return them? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290432562251&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT And I realize I'm wasting everyone's time on a $15 purchase that's worth $4. Sorry about that...
I think you've already answered your own question. Since the marks obviously bother you, there is no point keeping the set. Return them to the seller with your apology. For what it is worth, you should try to be a little more discerning when purchasing raw coins. Just because they might be in a government case doesn't make them immune to damage, flaws, etc. Chris
I would contact the seller and tell him you are disappointed in the quality of the set. Always return anything you feel has been improperly represented and advertised. On eBay, marginal sellers seem to get carried away with adjectives trying to compete with their merchandise.
seriously? your gonna eat 2 bucks to ship it back,due to some mint sludge....?? they are gem,and came from the mint that way.when you ship it back,you pay the postage,you have to have tracking on it,and it will cost you at least 2$ postage without a envelope.is it worth it? i dont think anyone would have mentioned toning spots on a coin like that one.if you want that kind of perfection buy a pcgs 70.im not trying to be rude,please dont take it that way.its just wasting your money shipping it back.its just small toning spots from the mint.not the sellers fault.
You raise a really good point. When you return items to an eBay seller via the resolution center , they require that you ship it back with signature confirmation so that already costs more than you may have paid to have it shipped to you in the 1st place. Returning an unsatisfactory item is not the only nor best solution. Just rolling over and living with an unacceptable purchase should not become a habit. Before you leave any type of feedback for the seller , communicate !! Tell them that you like everything except that 1 coin that just isn't up to par & ask how to remedy the situation. I bet you they will send you a replacement coin and let you keep the problem coin FREE. If a seller on eBay isn't willing to do that much to save you both time , money & hard feelings ( negative feedback ) , then open a case via the eBay dispute resolution center stating the item was not as described. Even if the seller had a "no returns" policy , they will need to either replace or refund when PayPal gets involved. I have found it EXTREMELY useful to video record ( in High Definition ) every single item I buy off of eBay. I record the whole process from opening the package to removing the contents , to examining the article closely. If the sellers wants to be a hard$$* , I just post the video on YouTube and send them a private link , so only they can view it ( for now ).
The adjective of "gem" is usually reserved for a coin grading 65 or higher. I would imagine that all the proof coins in this set would grade 65 or higher and, therefore, the description would be correct if they were called gem. You may be better off sitting down at the counter of a store and asking to go through all of their sets in an attempt to get the coins that you want because I would imagine that this type of event (small imperfection on a coin) is quite common with government issued sets.
The seller probably used a "stock photo" when listing this set and just ships a set out to the winner. Now, if the seller is picking through these sets and dumping the less than desirable on e-bay, that's a whole different situation, but there is no way to prove this either. I really don't care how much it would cost to send them back. If you don't like something because it's not up to your expectations, or you think you have been deceived or what ever, it's still the principle of the matter to resolve this dilemma...take a stand. Happy Collecting
Thanks for the help guys. I'm just going to keep them. Wasn't planning on using eBay anymore after buying these proof sets anyway, so hopefully it won't come up again. That's why I came here for help. Being a noob, wasn't sure how reasonable I was being worrying about a minor spot.
...of course the best way to buy coins is at a place where you can see them in hand before the purchase. of course the web doesn't offer such an option. BUT if you're not satisfied, return them or try and purchase at shows or B&M's or wherever you can where you can see the product first hand. same goes for the mint orders, not satisfied, return them. jmo
Smart decision to stay away from ebay. Find yourself a trusted reliable dealer who really knows his/her stuff. Good Luck...
