You can add a third option, send the buyer the money to have ANACS slab the coin, then you will have a definitive third party opinion about whether the coin is a proof. Don't lose your pics of the coin as you will need them to determine whether the buyer attempts a swith-a-roo (you have some unique toning, so that shouldn't be too hard to determine).
OK, just so nobody takes my vote the wrong way, it's not just 'cause I want my money back for the coin I want to return to Cody. It's entirely unfair for the buyer to expect Cody to accept a return a month and a half after the deal was done, even if it took that long to send to PCGS and get back. He should have told Cody that he was going to be sending it to PCGS and that if there was a problem with it, that he'd want to return it. That would have been the right thing for the buyer to do, and, IMO because he didn't, he should have to eat it. Like Twiggs said, don't be a doormat Cody. Also, you might ask him to take photos of the coin in its body bag, just to see if he's actually telling the truth AND to see if the coin looks the same as when you sent it.
Gatz, a BB really isnt a bag persay, but a coin in a 2 3/4 x 2 3/4 mylar flip with a label stating its problem.
Even though he has exceeded his time limit to return the coin to you, you also have an Ebay violation for "Item not as described" if he wishes to report it. I know that you didnt try to decieve anyone and you were selling the coin as you thought it was described, as you said, your dealer even backed you up on it. But I'm afraid the only fair thing to do would be to refund the man his money and you get your coin back. Even if you dont have the entire amount to send back I'd contact him and maybe work out some kind of arrangement.
A 100% refund? Definitely not now, wait for the photographic documentation the individual received from PCGS. Remember, they were pleased with the coin for six weeks. It wasn't until PCGS (supposedly) assigned a MS/cleaned??? grade. If you do end up refunding the payment make sure they return the coin back to you in the same condition it was in the picture of your auction. Don't make a "partial buyer appeasement payback" either. Either a 100% refund and coin returned or none at all. Good Luck Buddy Ben
If the ANA were to look at the facts involved, I'm certain they would side with the buyer here. Sorry Cody, but you need to refund the money or it's just bad business.
I am not YET voting here. In my mind, there are not enough FACTS here to decide the case. If Cody receives that coin back in the exact condition sold and if it is shown to be a business strike, then he owes the money. Without both if's, the buyer is out of luck IMHO.
it is so tough to make a definitive call on this one. Everyone makes great points. But in the end - Ebay makes sure, prior to listing any coin and/or currency note - that the LISTER knows the item being listed is exaclty what is being listed. I certainly understand that the money involved is alot for a YN, but making the wrong decision on this could change your course in numismatics for the rest of your life. The easy question is what feels like the right thing to do? throw aside all the points brought up for a moment. Just sit back and think, was the coin i listed, sold and mailed not what i thought it was? if you have any possible thought that it could be.... then u really should discuss with the buyer the possiblility of a return and refund. Now, take back into what alot of posters have said about this.... request picures or scans of the documentation - make sure he is sending the correct coin back to you. If you were the buyer, and the coin was not what was described... we wouldnt be having a pol, we would be telling to to contact Ebay about filing a report. I certainly wish you luck, and hope you make the right choice!
Interesting that you wold want your money back on a coin but dont expect this other person to request the same. Another thread perhaps? As some of you know I was one of the first with the smooth Adams and the Double Edge Adams. I was asked by several bidders if I would refund if a TPG came back as fake. I did one better. I offered to send the coins in for them, have them shipped back to their address if they included in their payment the amount for the slabbing. I knew at that point if they agreed there would be NO problems. I had in my possession the coin in question. I mailed it from my location directly to ANACS, NGC or PCGS. They verified and slabbed the coins and mailed them to the bidder. No questions asked, no risks for anyone. I as a seller was happy, the bidders were happy and everything worked out great.
As only a buyer on ebay - I say keep the money. As far as I am concerned the buyer did not do his part - seeing the coin as not proof. Then shipping to a grading company and waiting a month and half for a return. Keep the money. If I had been the buyer I would not ask for a refund. My father had a couple of Ebay coins come back body bagged after having them for 6 months - so should he go and request a refund? I don't think so and neither does he. I don't care how the poll comes out I say keep the money.