An update: I contacted the seller about the concerns to which you have all generously alerted me. As it is within his seven-day return policy, he stated he wanted me, as all of his customers, to be happy, and would promptly refund my money upon receipt of the coin.
But he also offered me the option of refunding $100 to my paypal account as an alternative since I am trying to complete an 1853 denominational collection. This would bring what I will have actually paid back in line with what most have suggested its value is, i.e., bullion plus maybe 10%. I think this
ebay seller is giving
ebay sellers a bad name; he truly goes above and beyond to satisfy a buyer. Something should be done!
I cannot thank you all enough for the education you are providing, and for the savings that have come as a result. As mentioned before, I appreciate your generosity of imparting knowledge, but also your generosity in helping to protect me, a total stranger, from himself in the early throes of a bumpy learning curve.