New eBay policy on Coins sold for more than $500?

With the information available so far, I find that it could be a positive but it is unclear how certain scenarios will play out.

Pro:
~third party helps lower the number of returns
~protects buyers from fakes
~protects sellers from buyers switching an item (or sending an empty package) when returning

Con:
~extra time to get to the buyer
~extra trips in the mail (seller to center and then center to buyer), potentially doubling the chances of lost packages
~potential for authenticator to damage coin or slab
~free gifts to the buyer might be tossed
~no contemporary counterfeits (unless labeled as such?)....this will impact very few people so not much of a worry

Unclear:
~what happens with a coin that is genuine but the eBay photo was enhanced?...think toned coin or dmpl Morgan...does the authenticator fail it for not matching the in hand look (probably the better decision) or approve it as authentic and that prevents the buyer from returning it (not good)?
~what happens when a slab or coin is damaged at the authenticator? (does eBay compensate the buyer; does the seller have to refund; or is the buyer stuck with it?)

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

Didn’t NGC offer a similar service for a short time? They would “authenticate” the coin based on just the listing images and description as I recall. Something like $5 per coin.

 

Oh gawd! Now it's going to take 2-3 months for delivery?

 

1-2 business days per the release for time spent at the authenticator; my guess is that they will meet that timeline in most cases but PCGS grading times will get even slower.

 

Ai: