A Sucker For Ebay, Should I Submit For Grading 1879-O

@Shtiv, that ebay seller doesn't just doctor the photos they use, they use the exact same doctored photo over and over for different coins. I just checked and they have 13 of those same coins for sale with the same exact picture for each one. You definitely want to see the actual coin when you buy a raw coin.

I really didn't want to comment because the truth is that's it's your money BUT I guess I will.

Neither photo shone (Morgan or Mercury) look like a real coin. If I saw these photos I would have passed on moved on, but you seem to believe that they are actual photos. No coin looks like that in person.

My advice is blunt, you shouldn't buy on ebay, you don't know what you are doing. Go to a local coin shop and have him show you coins you want, he can show what an actual coin looks like. After you know what your are doing (should be a few months or years if you don't get if).

Also stop using the internet as your only source. A Mega Red Book has a lot of information, it even shows you the different grades.

After you can tell a juiced picture from a real one then go buy on ebay don't buy before.

If you want to use the internet, use Allen's coin shop in Ohio (google there website), I can vouch they sell what they advertise (and they don't even provide pictures and you get the grade stated).

Here is the essence of the problem, no coin looks like those photos (especially a 100 year old coin), until you know what a coin should look like stop buying on ebay.

If you see a coin that looks unnatural that means it is.

Just read this thread and what a great read. Reminds me of my early days buying from ebay. All the hard lessons, disbelief, anger, wanting justification, and even the, 'I can make a difference.' I can have them shut down!

Glad I listened to the advice here, studied the grading forum here, searched here for the bad ebay sellers list, learned how to photograph coins here to share and ask questions. It takes years!

Once you do your research, find your preferred sellers, notice juiced photos (or even photos that may be inadvertently hiding things), and take your time with quality photos and a rock solid return relationship with reputable dealers, things get easier.

If you can't be sure you know from the photo what you are getting, flaws and all (and there should be some on every coin), then just be patient. Move on to the next opportunity. There are more ways to lose money with coin collection than make it, by a factor of 10x (or more)!!!!