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 Replies: 65 / Views: 8,911 |
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New Member
United States
32 Posts |
So I know of the many red flags when buying key date coins online. I had a tough time with this one, but I couldn't pass up the deal. The selling party is a pawn/coin shop, PCGS and NGC certified dealer, as well as a member of the BBB, and NFIB. (in my eyes you would think they are a reputable). They sell many other coins online, most a graded by PCGS and NGC, so I was first wondering why they didn't pay the extra $ to get this graded by them instead of throwing it in an old holder. Photos were blurry, couldn't make out the VDB - MANY red flags, but I thought id take a flyer. So I purchased the item. It appears like the #4 strike of the 1909SVDB - I don't have the coin in my possession, but as soon as I get it, I will bring it to my coin guy to have it authenticated, and then sent off the PCGS (if deemed real by my local coin dealer). If it is indeed a glaring fake, I will return it to the seller, as I have time to do so. This the best picture I can get. Thoughts? Once I get the coin, I will examine the VDB markings, N in United, etc. At first glance things appear alright, but like I said, I risked a little for large rewards since I can return the item for free.  Edited by mtc44380
06/21/2017 11:35 pm
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Moderator
 United States
14463 Posts |
I wish you luck in your purchase. Since you can return it, not too much risk. Do you also have a closeup picture of the VDB on the reverse?   |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3184 Posts |
you should have spent the money and bought a graded coin by NGC or PCGS vs a environmentally damaged coin
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10982 Posts |
Let's see the reverse. You can always ask the seller for better pics because that one is silly on a coin of this magnitude. What was the price? Too good to be true? If the price was under $400 then that's a red flag. A big one. Oh, by the way: |
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Pillar of the Community
7234 Posts |
Sounds like you are taking a big chance - Just your story alone and the crappy slab throws red flags up. Hope they honor the "return policy" that you described.  |
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New Member
 United States
32 Posts |
That is the best I can get to enhancing the VDB. The lettering and area of the periods will be the question.  |
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New Member
United States
32 Posts |
So I guess I was a little vague in explaining the whole story, bought on ebay, through a pawn shop which sells predominantly silver coins. So this wasn't listed under US coins, it was listed under Silver Bullion, or something to that extent. So when I searched multiple times I couldn't find it (probably the same issue others had). The pictures were suspect, but in researching the seller, it isn't a 'Joe Shmoe', its a shop that specializes in coins, but usually silver and gold (like I stated earlier). I knew I was taking a huge risk, but with a return policy, I can legally return the item for a full refund. My initially thinking it they tasked someone who doesn't know much about coins to putting items on ebay as some extra revenue, thinking that pictures aren't important when they are graded, etc. Perhaps I got lucky and snagged it for cheap, perhaps I am a sucker. We shall see. I paid $250 for the coin, so if its real, WOOHOO. If its fake, I try to return it through the avenues ebay and Paypal set. If I don't get anything out of it, I'm out $250 and lesson learned. I am going out of town next week, when its set to come, so of course I have to wait longer, but I will keep you all posted, and post better pictures when its in my possession. |
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New Member
United States
32 Posts |
I asked for better pictures via text, and got them after the purchase. Easier to see when zoomed in on my phone, harder to post however. So on the 4th, I will be back with decent pictures asking for opinions, as on the 5th, it will be brought to my local coin dealer to determine authenticity.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10284 Posts |
Welcome and best of luck. If you have to send it back be sure to insure it for your purchase price.
Doesn't V.D.B. look off to the left here in that new image posted?
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Moderator
United States
14463 Posts |
 Here is an image of my 1909-S VDB reverse, and the VDB looks fairly close to position.  The OP's B looks a little out of shape, but that could be lighting and the picture through the slab. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10284 Posts |
Here I have tweaked your image of the reverse some  |
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New Member
United States
32 Posts |
From what I could see from the horrible pictures I had I'm not too worried about a fake.
But again have never had a 1909 s VDB and I know the frequency of fakes online.
Vdb matches the slight to the left. S mark seems to be in the right position for the #4 strike.
I can more pictures they sent but again bad quality, so I am thinking it's some employee that has the picture task.
Time will tell. It'll be a long vacation knowing this is back home waiting for an answer
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New Member
United States
32 Posts |
^^^ by the way, nice coin you have there! Beauty.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10284 Posts |
Enjoy your vacation. Don't let this mess with ya, but on the bright side, there's nothing really wrong with a long vacation is there? Hope you got a good deal. Now take some sun screen and have a great time.
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New Member
United States
32 Posts |
Heading to Alaska, so it'll be less sunscreen more bug spray!
Thanks. Should be a great time.
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Rest in Peace
United States
18456 Posts |
Lots of issues and red flags . I would have spent my $250 much more wisely . But to each his own .  |
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Replies: 65 / Views: 8,911 |
Posted 06/21/2017 11:38 pm
