My Battle Against Counterfeit Coins from China on eBay

I’ve collected coins for years, and nothing grinds my gears more than the flood of fake coins on eBay, especially from sellers in China. Just last week, I spotted listings that were clearly scams—like an 1892 S Barber half dollar listed for $35 when it should cost over $300. This mess eats away at trust in our hobby, so I want to pass along what I’ve learned about protecting yourself.

The Shocking Scale of Counterfeits

These fakers are getting brazen. I’ve seen sellers offering stacks of identical rare coins—like that 1892 S Barber—with dozens “sold” yet still available. They often swipe real photos to trick buyers, but what arrives is a $2 knockoff. One listing I dug into from Almaty, Kazakhstan offered an 1883 Hawaiian set for $145—way below its true value. This isn’t occasional bad luck; it’s a full-blown crisis where eBay seems to look the other way, choosing profits over protection.

eBay’s Role in the Mess

I’ve reported hundreds of fake listings. Most times? A robot replies saying “no action needed.” It’s maddening. eBay could hire a few coin experts to review reports—one person could clear thousands daily—but they won’t. Their systems feel like a smokescreen. With their stock up 69% this year, why fix what isn’t broken for them? When you report a fake, sellers might refund you without asking for the coin back—leaving you with junk that’s only useful as a cautionary paperweight. Multiply this by thousands of buyers, and you see why eBay skates free.

Legal Loopholes and Fighting Back

I’ve toyed with ideas like a class action suit. Imagine 100 collectors buying fakes, documenting everything, then suing eBay for enabling fraud. It’s possible—they paid $59 million before for hosting counterfeit pill presses. Since US coins are legal tender, fakes could involve the Secret Service. But proving eBay knew is tricky—you’d need evidence of ignored reports and buyer losses. Still, if enough collectors team up, it might finally make eBay clean house.

Practical Tips for Savvy Collectors

From my hard lessons, here’s how to dodge scams:

• Skip sellers with piles of identical rare coins—that’s screaming “fake”
• Be wary of China-based listings or obscure locations—scrub their feedback history
• If a $300 coin costs $35? Run—it’s bait
• Stolen images are a dead giveaway—reverse-search photos first
• Report junk to eBay, but don’t expect much—cultivate trusted dealers instead

Counterfeits hurt us all—they devalue real collections and scare off newcomers. When in doubt, get coins authenticated by grading services.

Staying Vigilant in a Shaky Market

This eBay mess feels like corporations dodging responsibility. But together, we can fight smarter by sharing knowledge. I’ll keep flagging fakes and spreading the word. Remember—in coin collecting, your best armor is know-how. Keep your eyes peeled, friends, and let’s guard our passion.