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Posted 02/18/2008 08:53 am
Mistabia - The Chinese "Replica" coins are of very limited value to anyone but a specialist who uses them for study/teaching purposes. They are not counterfeits of the type that are high value collectibles, but there are quite a few people who do collect the various types. I am one of them - I have a couple hundred varieties. I never pay much for them, but I am intrigued by the numerous mules and fantasy varieties.
Regarding selling them on ebay. To be fully legal in the US, they should have the word COPY stamped on them. ebay will then allow the sale. Since you are in Germany, your local laws will govern ebay's actions. I know that sellers in China get away with posting replicas in part because the sale of such items is not illegal in China so ebay can not restrain trade. However, once sold these Replicas become illegal to import to the US or any country where the laws prohibit modern counterfeits.
Since these coins have no legitimate value anyway, I would stamp them COPY and sell them openly stating what they are and that they have been marked. Selling them without the word COPY allows the next buyer to possibly engage in fraud by offering them as real.
Regarding selling them on ebay. To be fully legal in the US, they should have the word COPY stamped on them. ebay will then allow the sale. Since you are in Germany, your local laws will govern ebay's actions. I know that sellers in China get away with posting replicas in part because the sale of such items is not illegal in China so ebay can not restrain trade. However, once sold these Replicas become illegal to import to the US or any country where the laws prohibit modern counterfeits.
Since these coins have no legitimate value anyway, I would stamp them COPY and sell them openly stating what they are and that they have been marked. Selling them without the word COPY allows the next buyer to possibly engage in fraud by offering them as real.
