1857 Flying Eagle Cent

First time buy with a seller, pics aren't great here. I think the coin it gorgeous, but I think I know just enough to be dangerous. Therefore, I do not want to make a bad purchase. I have been guaranteed the coin has not been cleaned and it has been in a collection since the 50's.

Any thoughts, specifically on condition or value?

 

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I dunno...that looks too good to be true...

 

Lol Right?!

 

I'm no expert on these, but something isn't right here... Is there any cartwheel at all or is it just shiny?

 

Not a way to tell. It's pics only. But can return it if I am not happy.

 

I wouldn't waste my time/money (even though you can get it back) on it TBH.

 

I agree, it just doesn't feel right to me.

BTW, welcome to the site!!

 

More "pics" attached... Do you guys think it's not genuine or polished? Assuming this coin in the pictures would be shipped of course!

Thanks for wasting your time with me! 8-0

 

It's hard to tell from the pics he's providing you with. They are kinda blurry and don't allow a lot of the detail of the coin to be seen. Like I said, I am not an expert on these, but it just doesn't feel right. The coin is 141 years old, but looks that good. Like Furryfrog said, it just feels too good to be true.

 

Coin looks counterfeit even with the terrible images. Perhaps he's one of the guys who will refund your money and let you keep the coin.

 

He is representing the coin as GEM BU. It's NOT inexpensive by any means.

 

I'll vote counterfeit as well.

 

How can you tell? I have studied the clearer images and I can't tell where what you are seeing as maybe suspicious. Tell me what you see specifically that is a red flag(s)? I want to learn how to spot a fake. He is representing as GEM BU- so condition is one red flag. Purchasing with pics only is too- I get that... What about the coin pictured is wrong?

 

Hey, you can buy one off of a certain chinese website for $1.07

 

It is your money, but a coin not slabbed, should be in hand at least. If MS 64, it is a 5 digit coin. It does sound kinda fishy, as stated.

 

Yeah... I asked about why it wasn't slabbed too. He said it was in his dad's collection since the 50's and he believes it's probably a $1600+ coin. And technically it will be PayPal or Amex money with buyer's guarantee...So I could be covered... But yeah I don't want to hassle at all if the consensus is that it's BS fakie Chinese made token! lol

 

I think fake also. If it was in dad's collection, he should know more about it. If real, I would have it in an auction , and not an ebay one. Jim

 

I'm going to give a little advice here, but be forewarned that it usually doesn't go over very well, especially on this board....

Learn first, buy second. As much as I can appreciate your palpable enthusiasm, what you've thus far described is the same trap that many, many, many new folks before you have fallen into. The backstory, iffy photos, and the fact you're new to this and apparently looking for a "deal" all add up to one thing, and that's a disaster in the making.

Please understand that there isn't a thing in this hobby that someone hasn't tried or thought of before you, and buying raw for a "good price" is most certainly one of them. Also, please understand that there are many thousands of knowledgeable people out there scanning listings, so if this was all it's made out to be, why hasn't one of them grabbed it? My point here is that one of the best gifts you can give yourself is to accept that you're not to the level where buying raw can be done wisely, and instead place your efforts into learning. If you want to buy coins while doing so, there are safer options even if more costly, but in the long run it is almost always the better choice. It's better to lose a little on something decent than to lose a lot on junk.

 

Very sage advice here. Easy to be wooed by a shiny copper. And the whole scenario adds up to a less than above board deal.

 

I would walk away from the deal, but that's just me.