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 Replies: 13 / Views: 1,962 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
580 Posts |
So I've been scanning ebay every day for coins to add to my collection. I know this is a hot topic for a lot of people on this forum, and I wanted to throw my Two Cents in as well: Most of the stuff sold on ebay is garbage! I swear, when you get into key date stuff, people tend to lose their minds when grading! On IHCs they will tout "full LIBERTY eligible on headband" but somehow leave out the huge chunk taken out of the rim at 1:00. Then there's the atrocious photography...I refuse to even look at a coin description if I can't even identify it by looking at its photo. Am I bidding on a coin? A piece of candy? A button off someone's trench coat? WHAT IS IT? There, I feel somewhat better now. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1523 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2797 Posts |
If misery loves company ... howdy! I share your pain. You have to look a lot harder these days to find a worthwhile offering. There is a bright side to that, my coin expenditures have shrunk considerably. I see more and more unscrupulous sellers trying to hype their junk or deliberately hide problems. I'm hoping they won't last long, but I may be too optimistic. The down economy may be keeping the "good stuff" off of venues like ebay. It may resurface once the money frees up.  |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1733 Posts |
I hear your pain and commiserate. My biggest complaint is all the stuff that has been polished bright and shiny... pure garbage...
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
580 Posts |
Oh yeah, you are correct on that...there are so many of the silver coins that look like they were scrubbed with steel wool.
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Rest in Peace
United States
4849 Posts |
Yeah, you often have to dig through piles of junk to find gems on the bay. They do exist though, if you're willing to do the work.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5825 Posts |
My last 2 buy of from the bay was scrubbed or over rated, the one over rated seller gave me a hard time and I didn't even leave him a bad feedback. I only wrote that a few were fine and the rest is below average.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19943 Posts |
99% of the coins listed on ebay are junk....just MHO. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1409 Posts |
I buy about 90% of my stuff from the Bay - but often search for what would amount to 2-3 hrs just to find a couple of examples to follow and bid on. Its safe to say that when looking for my 1919 SLQ - I looked at 150-200 before buying one. As for photos - SOMETIMES, its just that the person sucks at taking photos, and very careful examination of the photos can land you a deal that alot of people pass over. The Bay is a known risk that any of us who buy there take willingly. We all get sniped on a great deal from time to time, or receive a coin that isn't what we'd thought it was and sometimes we even land a great deal at 50% book. I think that for many of us - that 'gamble' is part of the fun or attraction. One of my better deals was picking up a bunch (39) of Washington War Nickels (uh - no such thing, they are Jeffersons) - at about 10% value because the seller simply listed it horribly, took poor pics and didn't explain it well either. Best of luck to everyone........ |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1055 Posts |
I buy quite often on ebay, probably 65% of my purchases come from that venue. If buying nice U.S. coins I buy Certified PCGS,NGC or ANACS. Also I buy from dealers/ sellers I am familiar with and feel are fair (with return policy). I also spend probably 8-10 hours searching a week and may not ever place a bid or a BIN. With so many coins available I cherry-pick every coin I buy. Even dealing with Certified coins, I cherry pick, you would be surprised how much nicer a particular XF-40 can be compared to another. As other have said there are deals to be had, you just have to work for it. ebay is also a good place to buy World Banknotes, One would be hard pressed to find a better selection on any one site. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4212 Posts |
Too many years I've waited for a 16d with what I wanted. Now own 4, all out of state bought,but ALL from pawnshops.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2661 Posts |
More and more live online auction sites are starting up these days. Auctionzip has now started live bidding. Although I have not seen any coin auctions there as of yet they have have timed online only auctions. The pics are clear as a bell and very little competition. I purchased a very nice 1904o Morgan for $17.50 just waiting for it to arrive along with five vf-ef Indians for a $1 each ( 99, 03, 04, 06, and an 08 ) a 1970 proof set for $3, and an ef 1897s Morgan for $15. However there was a 15% buyers premium and $6 packing and shipping charge. Still a pretty good deal I think. I'll get some pics as soon as they arrive, hopefully tomorrow.
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Valued Member
United States
71 Posts |
While ebay is a pain, it motivates me to work harder at the other auction sites available ... man there are a bunch too ! Simple: Don't buy on ebay ... sell on ebay :) |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4085 Posts |
I have good luck on ebay but I probably look at several hundred coins or more for each one I buy. I use saved searches and email alerts to screen for candidates and then many go by before I finally find one I like. |
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Replies: 13 / Views: 1,962 |
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Posted 04/30/2010 12:34 pm
