Auction Houses. A Familiar Story.

harasha

The dealer that runs the auction is very reputable, but in auctions, anything apparently goes. Billed as a SILVER medal, not only is it silver plate but the base metal underneath clearly is visible. It just goes to show how much effort is given for relativey inexpensive medals; not even worth a close eyeball by the auction staff.
The medal commemorates the failed siege of Amsterdam in 1650.

YQQ

actually a great medal
But the auction house does not care about what it is, nor about declaring the metal (as that would create a liability).. whatever it looks like or may actually be.
all they sell is a "old silver colored or "light metal" colored medal"

yes, I agree, but it is their business and they are protecting their butt.
the small print will make it clear that they have no liability.