Is it authentic/cleaned viewing service?

Is there a service or forum or person that will look at an eBay auction and give you their opinion if the coin is authentic or cleaned? I think I've heard of something where you pay a small sum maybe $5. Of course there is no guarantee.

 

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How long have you been a member here? What you ask may not be fair to the Ebay seller but I think some folks comment on coins posted here all the time. However, the fact that no on has responded yet may indicate I'm wrong.

 

For $5 a pop, I'll give you my non-binding opinion on any topic you wish.

 

Many (perhaps too many) people on CT will give you an opinion, but I have also seen posts that complain that other people might be bidding on the coin. As for myself, I see no big objection to asking on CT...if you have the time. Just my opinion and I have been known to be wrong

 

I'll do it for $4.99

 

Will you back it up with a guarantee to reimburse for any losses?

 

But it will stink more than mine.

 

That's less than I was going to post as a joke.

 

I seem to remember NGC advertising this service once upon a time. I may have dreamed it, though.

 

If a person has to ask before buying, they shouldn't be buying until they have more experience with actual in hand-coins or darn good photos or books( if they can read). IMO, Jim

 

Yes, NGC offers this service. I've never used it, and I've never talked to anyone who has. I have no idea how good it is. But, they offer to look at an Ebay listing and give an opinion on if the coin is genuine or not based on the seller's pictures. As you can imagine, this is kind of sketch to pay for.... you could send the pictures to a couple of people here who you trust and get almost the same advice for free.

But, @desertgem offers some incredibly sage advice that many people here should heed.

 

If I had to be experienced before I did things I never would have got married, had kids, had the professional career I've had, etc. that said, I buy a lot on eBay, and it's definitely caveat emptor - be careful and use some common sense. Anything high end needs to be from a buyer you know with a great reputation and probably graded. It's a good idea to run the photos by the folks here - they've got a great eye for fakes. Bad photos = don't buy it.

 

There's been some instances on the various forums of even series experts trashing coins in an auction trying to keep the price down so they could buy it

 

Ugh, sorry for poor grammar in title. I understand the idea is dubious. And now I do remember NGC having some type of service. Notwithstanding all that, the coin I was looking at was at a low price with 8 hours left which left me to believe there was something wrong with it. The final bid exceeded my bid by 3x.

 

NGC did have such a service but I believe it was discontinued.

 

Looks like it's still active to me
https://www.ngccoin.com/expert-review-ebay/

looks like if it's inconclusive or they can't determine it, the fee gets refunded. if they do determine it, you get a voucher to for the cost to submit it for grading with them after you get the coin, if you buy it.

 

Thanks! That's a good reference to have. I would have used it on a 1876-S 20C I was bidding on. https://www.ebay.com/itm/373713045020

The reverse looks amazing and I think the obverse is mostly just a weak strike rather than wear.

 

For $4.99--

nope.

For $5-- perhaps.

 

most likely, and I'd be proud of it