Great Southern Coins

As many have written over the course of this thread's life, GSC sells mostly problem (cleaned, over-dipped) coins that are made to look much more attractive through flattering photography.

Early on they came upon a method of photography that proved very successful, which I would describe as on the very edge of "juiced" without legally crossing the line. This applies to their slabbed coins as well, of course.

Their seductive photos and enticing claims of AU+++! and 63+++! are catnip for beginners eager for a deal who then probably remain loyal and comprise their largest base of buyers.

Long ago, when they had literally about 1000 feedback, I bought a raw "BU++!" Barber Dime that probably was in fact uncirculated but had been dipped beyond any realistic value (hidden of course by their lustrous, almost proprietary photos). Not having learned my lesson, I later bought a slabbed V Nickel, thinking it would be safe. I returned it because the coin in hand looked nothing like the photos; dark obverse stains were completely concealed, among other problems.

Why support such an operation when there are more upstanding dealers to buy from?

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

I read this with great interest. They use very seductive photography (state of the art equipment, special lighting, post processing etc.). And customers really rave about the photos, among other things. I'm amazed (beyond amazed, really) that a) GSC sells so many high end raw coins that haven't been graded and that usually would sell for higher prices if they were graded and b) that their customers don't also wonder why those high end coins aren't graded and c) that GSC customers regularly shell out $1000, $2000 or more for these raw coins without batting an eyelash. What on earth are these buyers thinking? Some of them even leave glowing feedback and then say stuff like 'and now, I'm going to send the coin to NGC to be graded'. And this is after they've already left positive feedback! I honestly and truly don't understand the stupidity ( I hesitate to call it that) of their buyers. I just don't get it.

 

I strongly expect that it's shills, shills, and more shills. Just check the activity level of some of their "bidders."

 

I don't either. I suppose that for some, ignorance is bliss.

 

Somehow they come up with the "ugliest" coins for its grade...64+?..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1901-PCGS-E...515455?hash=item568588b13f:g:e0wAAOSwiYFXGmGe

 

Yeah, but the cost! Good grief. You'd think some of these people would perhaps think about what they're doing? Don't most people do their due diligence? I guess not. If my GSC purchases are any indication, at least 1/4 of the coins they sell are altered in some way, and fully 4/5 are overgraded.

 

A little baggy, but otherwise looking OK. It's in a holder from a reputable company. What's the beef?

 

What do you mean?

 

In response to Dancing fire's post.

 

"The devil hath power to assume a pleasing shape" ...Hamlet c. 1600

Thank you for the "heads-up"

 

Got it. Getting used to how this forum works. Coin looks good to me too. But if it were a raw, 'Highly Coveted, Beautiful, Gem BU++ Blazer', I wouldn't touch it!

 

The beef with this dealer comes from the sale of raw coins, not graded/slabbed coins.

 

I know but, Somehow somewhere they are able to find the "ugliest" slab coins for its grade.

 

I've bought two coins from GSC. Had to return one. .500 is a great batting percentage for MLB, but not for buying coins and being satisfied. I have since looked elsewhere.

Steve

 

Great Southern Coins (greatsoutherncoin on ebay) just blocked me as well. Most coins I'd bought had been altered or were overgraded. They claim that they don't grade coins yet they implicitly grade many coins "PQ Solid Gem BU++" or "Gem PF++" etc.. I submitted each purchase to NGC and each was altered/overgraded. I was disappointed by and large and posted neutral and negative feedback (though I posted positive feedback as well). I'm sure they've dispatched many more people like myself. I still marvel that so many people buy their raw coins. I marvel especially that buyers pay top dollar for their raw high end coins. They really slipped up on several 1909 VDB pennies they sold me. No doubt they equally slip up in their 'grading' of the many raw 1909 S VDB's and other high end coins they sell. How folks fall for all this is beyond me.

 

Why do you marvel at it? You were one of those buyers. But yeah, how are they still in business and doing the volume they do. It's quite the conundrum.

 

I bought to kind of test the waters and to see what was going on. That is all. I wanted to learn. And I only bought lower end coins. Little risk. Would never buy high end sight unseen. Actually would only buy high end graded. And even then, from someone with a good reputation. Conundrum (or conundumb) indeed!

 

Yeah, well, you did notice it didn't exactly sell for "Super PQ MS64+" money, either. They tried real hard to hide its flaws in the photography though.

 

It's simple. They take pretty pictures. People like pretty pictures, so they fall for it.

 

You're right, Paul. They have some of the best photos on ebay or elsewhere. Oddly enough, though, they are one of the few sellers on ebay who don't allow prospective buyers to 'zoom in' and take a closer look at their stuff.