Buying "Unsearched" Rolls On Ebay?

I got one once, but like you it was advertised having a coin that I wanted, so I said "What the heck" and got it knowing I wouldn't find anything amazing, and enjoyed it just the same. Got some great coins, I probably wouldn't do it again, but that's just because of what I'm interested in.

I think you hit a few points I was going to mention:

- 99% of the time they are not "unsearched", and you are paying $15-$20 bucks for a roll of 1950s LWCs.
- You also mentioned worry about the obverse being damaged, which I'd worry about too. You've got no way of knowing what condition the coin is in (even the reverse could have a rim nick being covered by the roll. I think I'd want to spend money on a coin who's condition I know is what I need/want.

I also notice a ton of the images on these sales are stock images, or even images that are not of the item being sold (which should be against ebay policy anyway in my opinion).

Take a look and see how many items are for an unsearched roll of Lincolns and the only image shown is an oil drum of what could be pennies I guess (not the issue you were posting on I know).

Same with a picture of a single roll with a VDB ender... the item listed can be for a lot of "X Rolls", so there is no guarantee you even get the same roll in the image listed.

And lastly, because I've been doing a lot of ebay penny searches because I am thinking of selling some bulk coppers, the same images get used over and over again not just by the same user, but MULTIPLE users.

All of that adds up to an uneasy feeling for me personally to buy a roll like this. Then again, it is your money.

And of course, if you do buy a roll and get something good, post photos!

Thanks guys. The budding has now moved out of the range I would feel comfortable risking. So I am feel like I can post the link
http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/view...=81502880959
He has three different auctions for similar items. And all pictures have different markings on each coin. Mortician you hit on pretty much all my points of worry. I mean generally I can tell the junk from the might not be junk. This might be the later. Lots of bids and for decent money too.

Steele,

Despite all the horror stories you hear (from people who have never purchased), it can be fun and occasionally profitable to buy supposed "unsearched" coins of ebay. Yes, the majority are littered with 40's and 50's and a token teen, twenties, or thirties, but I've purchased some that had nice surprises as well. Do your homework. See what kind of items the seller usually sells. Stay away from the ones they buy and sell coin regularly. If they have a supposed hoard of wheaties, check out the feedback for specific coins that have been found. Good luck if you decide to buy.

OO

Don't waste your money