My Run-In with a BS eBay Coin Seller: Lessons in Spotting Scams

As a long-time coin collector, I had a run-in on eBay that perfectly illustrates how bold some scammers can get. Let me tell you about my recent headache and share what I learned to help you steer clear of these traps in our favorite hobby.

The Listing That Made Me Blink Twice

While searching for pre-1933 gold coins, I spotted a seller offering a 1911 $5 Gold Indian Head. The description read like bad poetry – claiming it was “struck at the Denver Mint” (which never made these) and made of “unadulterated gold” while gushing about “emanating grandeur.” But get this – the coin clearly had “COPY” stamped on it! This joker, hiding behind a shady username, also had a damaged dime and cent priced at $1200 – complete junk at laughable prices. Every alarm bell in my collector’s gut went off.

Spotting Fakes: What Experience Taught Me

This mess reminded me why we need to keep our eyes sharp. Here’s how I separate real deals from fakes:

• Stamps and Markings: Real U.S. coins never say “COPY.” Spot that? You’re holding a replica – period.
• Artwork Tells the Story: Genuine coins like the $5 Gold Indian have crisp, consistent designs. This fake had a mushy-looking Indian Head – nothing like the sharp details on my real 1913 piece.
• Material Matters: When sellers rant about “unadulterated gold,” grab your BS detector. These stamped copies are usually cheap metal with gold wash. Try the magnet test – real gold doesn’t stick – or get it professionally graded.
• Grading Isn’t Optional: Raw coins are risky bets. I only trust PCGS or NGC slabs – they’ve saved me more times than I can count.

eBay’s Broken Guardrails

I reported this obvious scam under their replica policy, but get this – eBay claimed it “wasn’t in violation.” Their customer service (probably some bot) ignores clear fraud just to collect fees. My hard-won advice? Report like crazy and screenshot everything. eBay makes money when sales happen, so protect yourself – they won’t.

Staying Safe in the Wild West

After this circus, here’s my playbook for smart collecting:

• Check Sellers Like a Detective: That “100% feedback” from a newbie with zero sales? Sketchy. Dig into their history and item descriptions.
• Price Sanity Checks: $1200 for damaged common coins? Come on. Know your values – real rarities cost real money.
• Build Your Safety Net: Stick with certified coins from reputable dealers. Always ask for detailed photos and compare them to authenticated examples. Gut feeling says scam? Walk away.
• Talk to Other Collectors: Swap stories at shows or forums. We’ve got to watch each other’s backs against these clowns.

Keep Your Wits About You

This whole ordeal reminded me that collecting is equal parts passion and vigilance. While there will always be bad apples, knowing these tricks lets you focus on the real thrill of the hunt. Trust your instincts, stay curious, and here’s to finding genuine pieces of history!