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 Replies: 17 / Views: 1,542 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
715 Posts |
I'm presently in the market for a coin that goes for an amount in the very low five figures.There is a dealer on ebay who has listed this coin graded MS65 by PCGS. Now here's the catch...they indicate that they have multiple copies of this coin and you will not necessarily receive the pictured coin, but they will pick out the best one they have and provide it for you, and oh by the way, they have a no returns policy. Huh? Would anyone go for tha? |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2023 Posts |
Not for five figures, no. Not even four figures, or likely even three.
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Bedrock of the Community
 United States
10472 Posts |
Heavens no - I want to see the actual coin.
Remember the saying: "Buy the coin - not the holder!"
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
6449 Posts |
Not even for two figures. If you buy a brand-name slab with a specific grade, you could get an absolutely trash coin. There are many coins with corrosion problems, surface problems, fingerprints, scrapes and other issues in straight graded slabs.
Most people who are selling a decent quality coin are happy to show the coin to all potential buyers.
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Pillar of the Community
Portugal
655 Posts |
I would never ever buy a coin unseen. And never but an expensive coin without first having it in hand to examine. Outside any plastic holder.
Another question. How do coins that have so many units available for sale from a single vendor can get so expensive?
They are certainly not rare. Not even scarce. This corresponds to a common coin. Is that one you seek so much in demand that these high prices can still happen?
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Moderator
United States
94636 Posts |
Nope, buying a coin for that much, NEEDS to be handled in person (coin in hand) Unless it is a reputable auction house.
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Moderator
United States
187446 Posts |
Quote:
Not for five figures, no. Not even four figures, or likely even three. Quote:
Not even for two figures.  I passed on many PCGS graded Ikes that used stock images. No, thank you.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
613 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7933 Posts |
For me it's a clear no for multiple reasons. Out of curiosity, what is the feedback number, and have you checked feedback on high $$ items? However, if you really want to do this purchase, but with more protection (maybe?), you could PM the seller through the ebay system asking for a photo of the exact coin you will receive including the slab details if you buy today (or tomorrow). You then have a record in ebay of the coin that was promised, and if you do not receive it, they ( ebay) should honor their return policy. If the seller won't do that, you walk. As pointed out by jecz, if this seller has five, then others will appear on the market, unless there is something unusual about this type. Edited by tdziemia
10/23/2025 1:13 pm
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Bedrock of the Community
Canada
21583 Posts |
Would you supply the 12 figure ID number so that we can see the listing.
Would like to see who the seller is.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6449 Posts |
I could imagine a few scenarios where this would be less bonkers. For example, a modern gold coin where the value is 97% in the gold. At that point, all PCGS MS65 coins are essentially identical, because the value is the metal, not the numismatic coin. I personally still wouldn't do that deal, but it would be less crazy than for a purely numismatic rare coin.
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Moderator
United States
187446 Posts |
Fair point.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2113 Posts |
(They are "Fake") Never buy a high-priced coin on ebay from a seller who has multiple quantities or has sold copies of the same coin. |
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Valued Member
Italy
284 Posts |
This post reminds me of when I was in the market for a modern-ish coin sold for around $200. This seller had like 10 in the same grade and sent me a group pic of those coins. I thus discovered he had used a random pic in the advert which was actually from a grade higher and asked him to let me choose which one I liked the most. He then quickly replied "all equal, all frosted" and even shipped me a random one  He was shocked when I told him I was going to return the coin if I didn't like the one I got..  So, long story short: don't buy blind, always buy a specific coin! |
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Valued Member
United Kingdom
51 Posts |
Quote:
don't buy blind, always buy a specific coin! Amen to that! The only time I buy 'sight unseen' is if it's a common, circulated coin that I want to add to my 'duplicates' stash. Otherwise I want to see the specific beast. I also don't list coins like that; anything I list is a single piece with pics of that specific coin. |
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Valued Member
United States
420 Posts |
I usually have to use buy now, pay over time services (Affirm, Sezzle, etc.) for anything $40 and up. Whenever I buy from e-bay I'll check the prices for that same coin and check like Numismedia to see what the coin is worth in what condition. I collect very simple coins like proof sets, proof commemorative, and I just started collect unciirculated Kennedy half dollars, be very careful with ebay even if somebody has a high score, make sure before you buy. Rich M. - Collector since 2008
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Replies: 17 / Views: 1,542 |
Posted 10/23/2025 01:23 am
