Sometimes Don't You Feel Like Screaming!?

It's a dealer I've trusted over the last several years. Also, the coin does have a deceptively original look (which it still might very well be) that many might not have questioned what I'm seeing. There are some red flags that put me off and I ain't going to take any chances. I'll point them out once I can get some pix up here. My current picture is not as clear as I'd like it, so I'll redo it.

The really sad thing is that I think I've returned more coins than I've bought in the last several months. I think every single coin over $100 has been returned for quite awhile now. I just can't get dealers to understand what a problem-free, eye-appealing coin really is. And, yes, dealers should be able to figure this out without reading anyone's mind. Eye appeal might be in the eye of the beholder, but problem coins should be relatively easy to filter out.

Once I get the pictures up I'll try to explain. I must admit that this will seem subtle to many, but once explained I think most of you will understand the level of potential seriousness that this poses and why we all have to be careful about what we buy. Also, keep in mind, I'm always thinking of what it will be like to resell the coin. If I have questions, what do you think my potential buyer might think?

"Problem" coin is kind of a catch-all phrase and it can mean cleaned, damaged, altered, hairlined(not necessarily the same thing as cleaned), unnatural color, etc

These problems do not necessarily have to be obvious but they will reduce the value and eye appeal of a coin regardless.

I wish I had $600 to spend on a coin.

Just one more reason I never buy anything, and I mean anything, via the internet. For coins, you just can't beat a coin show. I'd even rather go to a coin store than take a chance over the internet. I know there are many that have no access to either but as long as there are coin shows, that's for me.
AND $600 via mail. WOW, chancy.

I would have to agree. I have yet to buy a coin over the internet.

Many years ago I did the mail-order and Littleton things (approval service). I had moderate success, but back then those willing to sell mail-order had more to lose than the typical internet scammers now. The mail-order dealers I used advertised in the regular periodicals. If enough people get bitten by a bad dealer, then letters to editors are written and adverts are dropped.

I think my first internet purchase, if it were to happen, would be from a CCF member (be it here or ebay). At least I would have a decent trust relationship with a known party and a good chance to rectify any problems. I believe Prethen has a good relationship with his people, as evidenced by his ability to return the coin. The only thing that might make it better is if he could get his shipping costs applied to the price of his next purchase!

Hey! Didn't I just read about this on Collectors Universe!

From the pics on CU and your feeling about the coin, sending it back is the right thing to do.

As was stated: A lot of people would be happy with this coin for $600 but if you're not, that's all that matters.