Beware of That BS eBay Coin Seller! (ツ)

As a long-time coin collector, I recently stumbled upon an eBay seller that left me speechless. While scrolling through listings, some suspicious coin auctions caught my eye – a real wake-up call about online collecting pitfalls. Let me walk you through what I found and share some hard-earned advice to keep your collection safe.

The Shady Listings I Uncovered

Picture this: a $5 Gold Indian coin clearly stamped “COPY,” yet the description claimed it was a genuine 1911 Denver Mint piece made of “pure gold.” The flowery language about “pre-1933 grandeur” practically screamed AI-generated nonsense. This wasn’t just a replica – it was outright deception. The same seller offered a damaged dime and cent bundled as “RARE COINS” for $1200, which made me chuckle given their rough shape. Classic bait for newcomers dazzled by flashy descriptions.

Why This Should Alarm Every Collector

Here’s the kicker: eBay explicitly bans replicas marked “COPY.” Any authentic gold coin from that era should come with PCGS or NGC certification. This seller’s claims about “uncirculated condition” and “undeniable allure” ignored the basic truth – these are usually gold-plated junk, not solid treasures. After years in this hobby, I’ve learned scams crumble when you:

• Demand third-party grading reports or certification
• Treat over-the-top descriptions with suspicion – real rarities don’t need hype
• Examine coin edges and surfaces for plating tells

My Frustration with eBay’s Response

When I reported this listing using eBay’s own replica policy, they shockingly claimed no violation occurred. Seriously? The “COPY” stamp is right there! It shows eBay cares more about fees than protecting collectors. In my experience, reporting scams often goes nowhere, so I’ve stopped counting on them. Your best defense? The community’s collective wisdom and your own sharp eye.

Practical Advice to Avoid Scams

After this mess, I’ve tightened my online buying habits. Here’s what works:

• Stick with sellers having long track records – those shiny new accounts with perfect ratings often spell trouble
• Brush up on grading standards using your Red Book before buying
• Buy from established dealers who stand behind authenticity
• When prices seem too good, trust that gut feeling and walk away
• Report suspicious listings but always share details in collector forums too

This whole episode reminds us that in our beloved hobby, staying alert pays off. Keep learning, stay skeptical, and you’ll keep the joy in collecting while dodging the scammers.