How I Identified and Avoided a Fake 1877 Indian Head Cent Scam on eBay (Step-by-Step Guide)

I almost fell for this exact scam myself—and it took me hours to figure it what was really going on. Here’s how I spotted the fake and avoided losing money.

My Encounter With a Suspicious eBay Listing

I was browsing eBay for rare coins when I came across an 1877 Indian Head Cent listed at a price that seemed way too low. The seller’s offer was tempting, but something didn’t feel right. I noticed a weird spot below the “1” on the coin in the photo, and my gut told me to dig deeper.

Step 1: Analyzing the Seller and Listing Details

First, I took a close look at the seller’s profile and the item description. The seller’s name seemed off—when I translated it, it pointed to something totally unrelated and sketchy. That was my first clue this wasn’t a trusted coin dealer.

Key Red Flags to Watch For

• Prices that feel too good to be true—like $2 for a rare coin.
• Seller names that don’t add up or translate strangely.
• High sales numbers, which often mean mass-produced fakes.

Step 2: Verifying the Coin’s Authenticity Through Images

I compared the listing photos with images from trusted numismatic guides. Right away, I noticed issues—like a shallow “N” on the reverse and other small mistakes. Forums and expert sites confirmed these were classic signs of a counterfeit.

Practical Tip: Always ask for more photos or do a reverse image search. Scammers often reuse the same pictures across multiple listings.

Step 3: Researching the Seller’s History and Feedback

I checked the seller’s feedback and sales history. Seeing that 29 of these “rare” coins had already sold was a huge red flag. Real 1877 Indian Head Cents just don’t show up in bulk like that. Negative reviews or vague feedback made it even clearer.

Step 4: Exploring Alternative Sources and Confirming the Scam

I looked on sites like AliExpress and found nearly identical coins selling for under $1. That sealed it—the eBay listing was part of a scam. These sellers often use real coin photos but ship cheap fakes.

Actionable Takeaway

Before buying, check other platforms. If you see the same coin widely available for pennies, it’s definitely fake.

Step 5: Protecting Yourself and Reporting the Scam

I didn’t buy the coin. Instead, I reported the seller to eBay. It’s important to protect other collectors and not let these scams succeed.

Conclusion: Key Lessons Learned

Always check the seller’s reputation, study the photos carefully, watch out for high quantities, and use outside resources to verify authenticity. Following these steps can help you avoid scams and keep coin collecting honest. Stay sharp, and spread the word to help others steer clear!

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