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 Replies: 24 / Views: 3,512 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3499 Posts |
For over a decade now I have been frequenting a dealer's shop in my town. He and I are on very good terms, and he has given me some incredible deals since I have been such a loyal customer and because I am one of the only people who actually wants his foreign coins. In addition, he has always guaranteed the authenticity of every coin he has for sale. He has developed an absolutely great reputation and has promised that one can return a coin at any time if later on it is proven to be fake.
Just today I determined that a foreign coin that I bought from him (a 1871 Spanish 5 Peseta coin in VF) a couple of years ago to be fake. Now my problem is that I only paid $15 for it, and I would almost feel bad about getting my money back since I have been given some incredible deals there.
So what would you do? Would you still return it since it is fake or would you figure that "well, I have saved FAR above the amount lost on this one coin from the deals I received, it was kind of my own fault for not smelling a fake years ago, and that I just don't want to drag the dealer into this?" Edited by Archraz
09/10/2009 6:40 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2520 Posts |
That's a tough call because I don't know your Dealer! I know one Dealer that I dealt with would have no problem giving a refund and there would be no hard feelings! On the other hand....Another Dealer that I've dealt with WOULD have a problem with a refund! Maybe the best way to handle this is to mention it to him next time you visit his shop and go from there. If he remembers you purchasing the coin, I don't forsee a problem (again, I don't know the Dealer), But if you sense a problem, maybe you should let it go as a learning experience!
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Moderator
 Australia
16810 Posts |
For $15, I would write it off as "experience". I've paid more than that for coins that turned out to be fake, and written it off.
If you've got a good relationship with the dealer, you might want to bring it along and show him, pointing out what you've learned about it. Most dealers I've interacted with appreciate an opportunity to learn about fakes they might be selling, especially if the experience doesn't cost them any money or customers. Make it clear you aren't upset, or wanting your money back or anything. He might offer you your money back anyway.
As an aside, I found a fake 1871 5 pesetas in a bulk lot of coins I bought a auction some time ago.
Don't say "infinitely" when you mean "very"; otherwise, you'll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite. - C. S. Lewis
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Valued Member
 United States
306 Posts |
I would take it to him and ask if he thinks it's a fake or real. If he thinks it's genuine, case closed and accept the small loss. If he thinks it's fake he'll probably make it right. My personal opinion is the relationship is worth more than one coin that was sold with good intentions.
Just My Thoughts -- Terrell
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
3499 Posts |
ratman4762- It is not that I think that there would be a true problem with returning the coin. (I would just hope that he might remember that I bought the coin, but it was about 2 years ago.) I would just feel bad to bring up what is in some ways such a minor issue. I mean this dealer sold me my 1858 Canadian large cent in AU for $40. So even factoring the lost $15, I still have come out way ahead in the grand scheme.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3499 Posts |
Sap- I'm not surprised that you have seen a fake 5 pta. before. Whenever I am in Spain and go to coin shows, I always see tons of fakes of these late 19th century 5s as well as of Colonial 8s.   Notice on the picture of the reverse how the rim is kind of scraped up all the way around the face of this side. Also, if you look at the 12:00- 1:00 position on the reverse, you will see how the rim seems to actually jut out a bit and not exactly meet the reverse. I am really not sure how these were edged, but this almost makes it look like there is a seam where the edge meets the reverse rim. Edited by Archraz
09/10/2009 7:59 pm
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New Member
United States
43 Posts |
Given your good relationship with the dealer, I would take the coin in and ask for his opinion. You should tell him that you suspect that the coin maybe a fake, but value his judgement. From what you've said I doubt that he knowingly sold you a fake. My guess is that you'll both agree that it is a fake and you'll chalk it up to 'lessons learned' and he'll continue to give you outstanding deals in the future.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1801 Posts |
I would take it back, show him the diagnosics that prove it's fake and discuss the coin but I would refuse to take a refund, insisting instead that on this coin the lesson learned was well worth $15. That way he is aware of the issue, you have it out in the open and you don't sound like a whiner wanting to return a 15 dollar coin after 2 years.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
581 Posts |
I say, bring it to his attention.
Show him your proof.
I would not ask or demand for a refund.
Since it was purchased 2 yrs ago. The education was worth the 15.00
If the dealer is as upstanding as you say, his reaction should tell you everything you need to know.
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Moderator
United States
56855 Posts |
I agree with what tepritts said  . John1  |
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Moderator
United States
6563 Posts |
I'd defiantly show it to him but I'd keep it mainly for the fact that it has been "several years". If it were a week or 2 then I'd trade it in for something else.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1082 Posts |
It's probably only an isolated incident and wasn't anything deliberate on his part.
Truthfully, if you have such a good relationship with him, don't even bother to bring it up. It was two years ago, and he may not even remember. I don't think I would jeopardize such a good relationship (and good deals in the future) over $15. Chalk it up to experience.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3499 Posts |
WpgLwr- yeah I might do just that. I learned something and I have an interesting example of a high-quality fake. I just wonder when this one was made.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2797 Posts |
Quote:
It's probably only an isolated incident and wasn't anything deliberate on his part.
Truthfully, if you have such a good relationship with him, don't even bother to bring it up. It was two years ago, and he may not even remember. I don't think I would jeopardize such a good relationship (and good deals in the future) over $15. Chalk it up to experience.
That's how I handle this, too. That's a great relationship that's not worth $15 to undermine. You can't be sure how this dealer will react to the news despite the time passed and minimal value. And you have a slightly over-priced momento.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3234 Posts |
This dealer sounds like he's probably a good guy. Just talk to him about it. I agree with the other posters; talk about what you learned. Maybe it's worthwhile to keep it. It's not like you'll lose a lot on it. Heck, most of us here have had much more costly mistakes. Chances are he'll offer to exchange it or buy it back. Personally, I would value this relationship and go along with just about anything that happens (as long as he doesn't kick you out!).
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2541 Posts |
I'd take it back, but buy something else from him in the same trip.
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Replies: 24 / Views: 3,512 |
Posted 09/10/2009 7:31 pm
