I was looking at eBay and a few other websites, and I see that the Chinese counterfeit silver dollars are up and running like they used to be. But now they seem to be getting more money. They're putting them up as fantasy pieces. What I would like to know is where is the ANA and the professional coin dealers? And most of all, where are we? Is anyone, besides myself, complaining to eBay? What do you think about this Chinese counterfeit problem?
As for the "fantasy pieces" issue, as long as not of a date/mint/type that existed, for all sense and purposes that is just what they are even if the Carr fans don't want to hear it; the "precedent" has been set. If of dates that existed, well, fantasy still sounds better than fake, right? Ebay is ebay and they make their own rules; if you don't like it, keep complaining, but just don't expect much to come from it. They've made their bed and seem perfectly content to lie in it. On a personal level, no.... I, of course, am not fond of the so-called "counterfeit problem", but it is a problem collectors (as an all-encompassing group) have mostly brought upon themselves. I realize this is not a popular viewpoint, but let's face facts: if there was not a market for this junk, they wouldn't be making it. Collector education, wise purchasing decisions, and an honest self-assessment of one's abilities would go a long way towards lessening this "problem", but why bother when there is the potential for a "deal" to be had, or is easier to sit and bid on the bay than it is to learn before buying. Sure.. there are those genuinely suckered into buying, and I do feel for them, but based on personal experience I'd have to say that they're also in the minority. The point is that there are always other options, but you cannot force anyone down a path they do not wish to take.
If they are advertising all their coins as counterfeit/fantasy, there are no victims. In my opinion, the only problem on ebay lies with sellers who plan to fraud others on coins that are advertised as real, and this is illegal. I don't think ebay can ban someone for telling their buyers that they are buying a fake coin. Also, beginners in the numismatic field may want to purchase a counterfeit as a learning lesson so they can compare to other coins.
I definitely don't blame the Chinese. You wouldn't have to look far to find an American, or anyone else for that matter, who would do the same if the profit was there. Education is the only real defense to counterfeiters. As far as education in the US, well let's just say it's not taught in schools anymore and it's up to the community to raise the child. Meaning the numismatic community.
One of the problems is the numismatic community. All they like to say you should know how many new collectors get stuck with the fakes many don't know what a real silver dollar looks like And a large percent buy on the internet and if you think some one would buy 300 coins to compare to other coins
