"Exposed: This Forum’s So-Called Expertise Is Crap"

Fordee4

Well, folks, I ran an experiment, and this forum failed miserably. I posted a fake picture of a real eBay listing of a rare 1909 cent selling for around $59,000 to test whether anyone here would give accurate information on its rarity and value. Instead of offering real insight, every comment downplayed the coin’s significance, claiming it wasn’t rare or valuable.

What’s worse is that some of you clearly knew better. The so-called “investigators” here figured out the coin’s rarity but chose to stay silent or give vague, dismissive responses. Why? To avoid giving someone else credit for a valuable find? To downplay someone else’s success? It’s clear this forum isn’t about helping others learn — it’s about protecting egos and gatekeeping information.

I came here to see if anyone would give honest, accurate feedback on a well-documented rare coin, and instead, I was met with fake advice and outright misinformation. The fact that I had to fake a listing just to see if anyone here actually knew what they were talking about is proof enough that this forum is unreliable.

If you’re looking for genuine advice or honest guidance, this is not the place. It’s a community that thrives on downplaying others and withholding the truth. The moment I posted proof of the coin’s actual value, the silence and dismissiveness spoke volumes. This place is a joke — nothing but a circle of people pretending to be experts while keeping others in the dark.

Congratulations, forum. You had the chance to be helpful, and instead, you proved you’re not trustworthy. I tested you, and you failed.

Sanddollar

I read all these words and the only conclusion I came up with is you are a failed/banned ex-forum member who created an alt to attempt to discredit this forum and the people involved within it.

JBK

@Fordee4 said:
Well, folks, I ran an experiment, and this forum failed miserably. I posted a fake picture of a real eBay listing of a rare 1909 cent selling for around $59,000 to test whether anyone here would give accurate information on its rarity and value. Instead of offering real insight, every comment downplayed the coin’s significance, claiming it wasn’t rare or valuable.

What’s worse is that some of you clearly knew better. The so-called “investigators” here figured out the coin’s rarity but chose to stay silent or give vague, dismissive responses. Why? To avoid giving someone else credit for a valuable find? To downplay someone else’s success? It’s clear this forum isn’t about helping others learn — it’s about protecting egos and gatekeeping information.

I came here to see if anyone would give honest, accurate feedback on a well-documented rare coin, and instead, I was met with fake advice and outright misinformation. The fact that I had to fake a listing just to see if anyone here actually knew what they were talking about is proof enough that this forum is unreliable.

If you’re looking for genuine advice or honest guidance, this is not the place. It’s a community that thrives on downplaying others and withholding the truth. The moment I posted proof of the coin’s actual value, the silence and dismissiveness spoke volumes. This place is a joke — nothing but a circle of people pretending to be experts while keeping others in the dark.

Congratulations, forum. You had the chance to be helpful, and instead, you proved you’re not trustworthy. I tested you, and you failed.

I see (another) banning in your future.

Fordee4

@JBK said:

@Fordee4 said:
Well, folks, I ran an experiment, and this forum failed miserably. I posted a fake picture of a real eBay listing of a rare 1909 cent selling for around $59,000 to test whether anyone here would give accurate information on its rarity and value. Instead of offering real insight, every comment downplayed the coin’s significance, claiming it wasn’t rare or valuable.

What’s worse is that some of you clearly knew better. The so-called “investigators” here figured out the coin’s rarity but chose to stay silent or give vague, dismissive responses. Why? To avoid giving someone else credit for a valuable find? To downplay someone else’s success? It’s clear this forum isn’t about helping others learn — it’s about protecting egos and gatekeeping information.

I came here to see if anyone would give honest, accurate feedback on a well-documented rare coin, and instead, I was met with fake advice and outright misinformation. The fact that I had to fake a listing just to see if anyone here actually knew what they were talking about is proof enough that this forum is unreliable.

If you’re looking for genuine advice or honest guidance, this is not the place. It’s a community that thrives on downplaying others and withholding the truth. The moment I posted proof of the coin’s actual value, the silence and dismissiveness spoke volumes. This place is a joke — nothing but a circle of people pretending to be experts while keeping others in the dark.

Congratulations, forum. You had the chance to be helpful, and instead, you proved you’re not trustworthy. I tested you, and you failed.

I see (another) banning in your future.

Good luck in doing so Lol

airplanenut

23 years on these boards and I'm only just finding out it was all a lie

Fordee4

@airplanenut said:
23 years on these boards and I'm only just finding out it was all a lie

Don't quit your day job then lol

johnny9434

You don't have to stay here if you don't like us and since we're mostly dummies why bother?

Sanddollar

The further I read Fordee4's posts the more I go from being slightly perturbed to annoyed to simple pity for her.

PeakRarities

I'm not reading all of that, and one of the most important things about assessing a coin/collection is the context in which it was obtained, inherited bought, etc, and more importantly, the credibility of the poster.

We had neither. You are a brand new member who posted pictures with no additional content or questions other than "what is your opinion". We get 100 of these every week, and you did absolutely nothing to differentiate yourself from the low end on the spectrum of those posts. A short, well composed theory or explanation of what you have observed could have made a world of difference.

If this is how you feed your ego, and you're having a self congradulatory moment of triumph in your mind, I'm not here to put a damper on that. You're clearly not here with good intentions, and with that I bid you adieu.

BYE FELICIA.

Fordee4

@Sanddollar said:
The further I read Fordee4's posts the more I go from being slightly perturbed to annoyed to simple pity for her.

Her? Who says I'm a girl ? Another assumption

Fordee4

@johnny9434 said:
You don't have to stay here if you don't like us and since we're mostly dummies why bother?

I won't trust me lol just wanted to call the kettle black mission accomplished

FlyingAl

A 1909 VDB Matte is a rather rare coin, and one that very few people have the expertise to identify based off of images. Hell, sometimes even the TPGs get it wrong with the Mattes. It also seems that more than one poster caught your little trick, which renders your point here completely moot.

Try your little "experiment" again with a DCAM 1866 $20 and see what some people say.

seatedlib3991

I missed whatever post you made but think I have it figured out. Here goes; You are absolutely right and everyone else is absolutely wrong. There, now you can go demonstrate your superiourity to the rest of the human race some place else. James

Sanddollar

@Fordee4 said:

@Sanddollar said:
The further I read Fordee4's posts the more I go from being slightly perturbed to annoyed to simple pity for her.

Her? Who says I'm a girl ? Another assumption

Yes. You come off like a giddy as a schoolgirl with your gleeful comments regarding your "gotcha" moment with this forum.

Fordee4

@FlyingAl said:
A 1909 VDB Matte is a rather rare coin, and one that very few people have the expertise to identify based off of images. Hell, sometimes even the TPGs get it wrong with the Mattes. It also seems that more than one poster caught your little trick, which renders your point here completely moot.

Try your little "experiment" again with a DCAM 1866 $20 and see what some people say.

My point exactly!!! They knew the rarity and value but chose not to give information instead they chose to be negative Nancy about the cent and assumptions and downplaying

MFeld

@Fordee4 said:

@johnny9434 said:
You don't have to stay here if you don't like us and since we're mostly dummies why bother?

I won't trust me lol just wanted to call the kettle black mission accomplished

Trust you? Well, at least you’re funny.

FlyingAl

@Fordee4 said:

@FlyingAl said:
A 1909 VDB Matte is a rather rare coin, and one that very few people have the expertise to identify based off of images. Hell, sometimes even the TPGs get it wrong with the Mattes. It also seems that more than one poster caught your little trick, which renders your point here completely moot.

Try your little "experiment" again with a DCAM 1866 $20 and see what some people say.

My point exactly!!! They knew the rarity and value but chose not to give information instead they chose to be negative Nancy about the cent and assumptions and downplaying

You've managed to miss every single point I made.

Fordee4

If I had a nickel for every time someone said have you looked at the RedBook ?!?!!!!! Duh...... I wouldn't be here that's for sure lol

MrEureka

@Fordee4 said:
Well, folks, I ran an experiment, and this forum failed miserably. I posted a fake picture of a real eBay listing of a rare 1909 cent selling for around $59,000 to test whether anyone here would give accurate information on its rarity and value. Instead of offering real insight, every comment downplayed the coin’s significance, claiming it wasn’t rare or valuable.

What’s worse is that some of you clearly knew better. The so-called “investigators” here figured out the coin’s rarity but chose to stay silent or give vague, dismissive responses. Why? To avoid giving someone else credit for a valuable find? To downplay someone else’s success? It’s clear this forum isn’t about helping others learn — it’s about protecting egos and gatekeeping information.

I came here to see if anyone would give honest, accurate feedback on a well-documented rare coin, and instead, I was met with fake advice and outright misinformation. The fact that I had to fake a listing just to see if anyone here actually knew what they were talking about is proof enough that this forum is unreliable.

If you’re looking for genuine advice or honest guidance, this is not the place. It’s a community that thrives on downplaying others and withholding the truth. The moment I posted proof of the coin’s actual value, the silence and dismissiveness spoke volumes. This place is a joke — nothing but a circle of people pretending to be experts while keeping others in the dark.

Congratulations, forum. You had the chance to be helpful, and instead, you proved you’re not trustworthy. I tested you, and you failed.

How about posting pics of your coin here so those of us who missed your last thread will know WTF you're talking about?

jmlanzaf

Lmfao. Your mother is ashamed.

Fordee4

@jmlanzaf said:
Lmfao. Your mother is ashamed.

Nope ! It's called morals and not being taken advantage of

Fordee4

@MrEureka said:

@Fordee4 said:
Well, folks, I ran an experiment, and this forum failed miserably. I posted a fake picture of a real eBay listing of a rare 1909 cent selling for around $59,000 to test whether anyone here would give accurate information on its rarity and value. Instead of offering real insight, every comment downplayed the coin’s significance, claiming it wasn’t rare or valuable.

What’s worse is that some of you clearly knew better. The so-called “investigators” here figured out the coin’s rarity but chose to stay silent or give vague, dismissive responses. Why? To avoid giving someone else credit for a valuable find? To downplay someone else’s success? It’s clear this forum isn’t about helping others learn — it’s about protecting egos and gatekeeping information.

I came here to see if anyone would give honest, accurate feedback on a well-documented rare coin, and instead, I was met with fake advice and outright misinformation. The fact that I had to fake a listing just to see if anyone here actually knew what they were talking about is proof enough that this forum is unreliable.

If you’re looking for genuine advice or honest guidance, this is not the place. It’s a community that thrives on downplaying others and withholding the truth. The moment I posted proof of the coin’s actual value, the silence and dismissiveness spoke volumes. This place is a joke — nothing but a circle of people pretending to be experts while keeping others in the dark.

Congratulations, forum. You had the chance to be helpful, and instead, you proved you’re not trustworthy. I tested you, and you failed.

How about posting pics of your coin here so those of us who missed your last thread will know WTF you're talking about?

Go to the chat about 1909 Cent what are you opinion you will see and yes I said Lincoln memorial for a reason lol

MarkKelley

Go play your games elsewhere.

Fordee4

@MarkKelley said:
Go play your games elsewhere.

Hahaha this is not a game bro

jmlanzaf

@Fordee4 said:

@jmlanzaf said:
Lmfao. Your mother is ashamed.

Nope ! It's called morals and not being taken advantage of

Nobody tried to take advantage of you. Did you receive an offer to purchase?

You posted a misidentified coin and didn't even ask a question. You expected us to all go trying to authenticate the coin when you didn't even ask us that. But to mention the 4th or 5th person correctly identified the coin and found the listing.

Fordee4

@jmlanzaf said:

@Fordee4 said:

@jmlanzaf said:
Lmfao. Your mother is ashamed.

Nope ! It's called morals and not being taken advantage of

Nobody tried to take advantage of you. Did you receive an offer to purchase?

You posted a misidentified coin and didn't even ask a question. You expected us to all go trying to authenticate the coin when you didn't even ask us that. But to mention the 4th or 5th person correctly identified the coin and found the listing.

Uh no first 3 comments are no not rare not worth anything ....I have a ton of those blah blah blah

johnny010

@PCGS_Moderator

You

I went and checked the other thread, and exactly three people responded to the post before the coin was identified as a proof. That’s not a lot, especially considering that it’s a matte proof Lincoln. I don’t know what you mean by “downplaying” and all that, unless you mean them calling you out for making a fake eBay listing and making a fake post acting like you needed help figuring out the value of this coin. It seems to me like your experiment failed.

jmlanzaf

@Fordee4 said:

@jmlanzaf said:

@Fordee4 said:

@jmlanzaf said:
Lmfao. Your mother is ashamed.

Nope ! It's called morals and not being taken advantage of

Nobody tried to take advantage of you. Did you receive an offer to purchase?

You posted a misidentified coin and didn't even ask a question. You expected us to all go trying to authenticate the coin when you didn't even ask us that. But to mention the 4th or 5th person correctly identified the coin and found the listing.

Uh no first 3 comments are no not rare not worth anything ....I have a ton of those blah blah blah

And we judged you based on the prior things you posted which is our mistake. So take your common coins to some place you like better. We won't be offended.

jmlanzaf

Oh, and we're very sorry you don't actually have the rare matte proof.

oih82w8

You asked for opinions and you got some.

You

I don’t get it - do you think that there should be zero incorrect responses to a thread like that, and that everyone on this forum should be an expert and be able to diagnose a matte Lincoln from photographs? After all, you’re on here, and forgive me if I’m wrong, but you’re not an expert.

MrEureka

@Fordee4 said:

@MrEureka said:

@Fordee4 said:
Well, folks, I ran an experiment, and this forum failed miserably. I posted a fake picture of a real eBay listing of a rare 1909 cent selling for around $59,000 to test whether anyone here would give accurate information on its rarity and value. Instead of offering real insight, every comment downplayed the coin’s significance, claiming it wasn’t rare or valuable.

What’s worse is that some of you clearly knew better. The so-called “investigators” here figured out the coin’s rarity but chose to stay silent or give vague, dismissive responses. Why? To avoid giving someone else credit for a valuable find? To downplay someone else’s success? It’s clear this forum isn’t about helping others learn — it’s about protecting egos and gatekeeping information.

I came here to see if anyone would give honest, accurate feedback on a well-documented rare coin, and instead, I was met with fake advice and outright misinformation. The fact that I had to fake a listing just to see if anyone here actually knew what they were talking about is proof enough that this forum is unreliable.

If you’re looking for genuine advice or honest guidance, this is not the place. It’s a community that thrives on downplaying others and withholding the truth. The moment I posted proof of the coin’s actual value, the silence and dismissiveness spoke volumes. This place is a joke — nothing but a circle of people pretending to be experts while keeping others in the dark.

Congratulations, forum. You had the chance to be helpful, and instead, you proved you’re not trustworthy. I tested you, and you failed.

How about posting pics of your coin here so those of us who missed your last thread will know WTF you're talking about?

Go to the chat about 1909 Cent what are you opinion you will see and yes I said Lincoln memorial for a reason lol

Cute experiment. Funny thing is that you could have spun it as a useful lesson in a friendlier and more respectful way and it would have been a good thing. Instead, all you've done is alienate people and (most likely) get yourself banned. Perhaps a good leaning experience for you too?

FlyingAl

Wait guys, hear me out.

@Fordee4 - grade this:

rte592

@Fordee4 said:

@Sanddollar said:
The further I read Fordee4's posts the more I go from being slightly perturbed to annoyed to simple pity for her.

Her? Who says I'm a girl ? Another assumption

Nothing personal, but you write like a girl.
Some people just read between the lines... now that you're 44 you can work on that thin skin.

Torey

So are we ignoring the fact that a previous owner of the coin recognized it and told you it was a matte-proof? Or that I provided you with a link to understand the difference between a business strike and a matte-proof? Obscuring information to fit your narrative and trying to gallop away on your high horse.

Russell12

@Fordee4 said:
If I had a nickel for every time someone said have you looked at the RedBook ?!?!!!!! Duh...... I wouldn't be here that's for sure lol

NOW THAT'S A GOOD IDEA!!!

HalfDime

"Well, folks, I ran an experiment (for only three posters), and this forum failed miserably. I posted a fake picture of a real (obscure) eBay listing of a rare 1909 cent (few have seen) selling for around $59,000 to test whether anyone here would give accurate information (in only 30 minutes) on its rarity and value. Instead of offering real insight (in such a short time), every comment (all three of them) downplayed the coin’s significance, claiming it wasn’t rare or valuable. (Later the previous owner showed up and claimed what it was precisely so my trick backfired )."

There, I fixed your post for you.

johnny9434

This thread ain't dead yet, bummer 👹

AMRC

I don't care what you think.

MedalCollector

Slightly disappointed that there are no so-called dollars in this thread. Darn!

Mr_Spud

It’s Trolls like this that make it hard to help real newbies. I don’t mind being nice to newbies and helping them out without insulting them, but on this forum there have been multiple banned members who like to come back and pretend they are newbies trying to either prove a point or just to get attention. But if I have to figure out if the post is real and if it is a Troll, it makes me less likely to try and help.

I hadn’t read the post in question until I saw this one. I saw that a forum member responded that they recognized the coin and that they used to own it, so not sure what you accomplished other than showing you were a Troll. And now people will be even more suspicious of new posters and will be more likely to either ignore them or to give dismissive responses.

coinkat

I guess it is Friday... How about the Illinois-Oregon basketball game in Eugene yesterday? I didn't see that coming...

And I did not see such a short-sided thread coming about a how forum members responded or didn't respond to a chat room question about a 1909 cent either. I really do not see this as a catastrophic failure whereby the Numismatic sky is falling and integrity has been forever lost. What was the objective with this experiment? Seems this is a fair question to just establish a baseline as to how this was all presented followed by the minimal response. And based on what is obviously an inadequate sampling in terms of establishing meaningful data as to the knowledge base of this forum, you chose to cast dispersions as to the entire forum.

An apology would be a reasonable place to start unless the axe has already fallen.

goodmoney4badmoney

Fordee4

@jmlanzaf said:
Oh, and we're very sorry you don't actually have the rare matte proof.

I don't care it was the point

Fordee4

@coinkat said:
I guess it is Friday... How about the Illinois-Oregon basketball game in Eugene yesterday? I didn't see that coming...

And I did not see such a short-sided thread coming about a how forum members responded or didn't respond to a chat room question about a 1909 cent either. I really do not see this as a catastrophic failure whereby the Numismatic sky is falling and integrity has been forever lost. What was the objective with this experiment? Seems this is a fair question to just establish a baseline as to how this was all presented followed by the minimal response. And based on what is obviously an inadequate sampling in terms of establishing meaningful data as to the knowledge base of this forum, you chose to cast dispersions as to the entire forum.

An apology would be a reasonable place to start unless the axe has already fallen.

Go CHIEFS !!! 💪

Fordee4

@Mr_Spud said:
It’s Trolls like this that make it hard to help real newbies. I don’t mind being nice to newbies and helping them out without insulting them, but on this forum there have been multiple banned members who like to come back and pretend they are newbies trying to either prove a point or just to get attention. But if I have to figure out if the post is real and if it is a Troll, it makes me less likely to try and help.

I hadn’t read the post in question until I saw this one. I saw that a forum member responded that they recognized the coin and that they used to own it, so not sure what you accomplished other than showing you were a Troll. And now people will be even more suspicious of new posters and will be more likely to either ignore them or to give dismissive responses.

Good maybe next time they will think about their reply back instead of trash oh damaged coin not value ran over in parking lot etc ... More respectful replies it's how u deliver it

jmlanzaf

.> @Fordee4 said:

@jmlanzaf said:
Oh, and we're very sorry you don't actually have the rare matte proof.

I don't care it was the point

The point should be that the Forum remains UNDEFEATED. None of us are batting 1000 individually. But as a group, UNDEFEATED!!!

Here's a toast to all of us!!

Just for the record is this mikee99 again? I missed you buddy, if it is.

Fordee4

@HalfDime said:
"Well, folks, I ran an experiment (for only three posters), and this forum failed miserably. I posted a fake picture of a real (obscure) eBay listing of a rare 1909 cent (few have seen) selling for around $59,000 to test whether anyone here would give accurate information (in only 30 minutes) on its rarity and value. Instead of offering real insight (in such a short time), every comment (all three of them) downplayed the coin’s significance, claiming it wasn’t rare or valuable. (Later the previous owner showed up and claimed what it was precisely so my trick backfired )."

There, I fixed your post for you.

Haha uh nope I also have another cent I posted on my discussion that were also not informing and proved wrong as well and I didn't feel the need to go there also .....so y the f would I admit it if I wasn't trying to prove a point ....duh !

Fordee4

@rte592 said:

@Fordee4 said:

@Sanddollar said:
The further I read Fordee4's posts the more I go from being slightly perturbed to annoyed to simple pity for her.

Her? Who says I'm a girl ? Another assumption

Nothing personal, but you write like a girl.
Some people just read between the lines... now that you're 44 you can work on that thin skin.

Hahah GOOD JAUN !! ARE U BEING RACIST NOW ??

Fordee4

@Mr_Spud said:
It’s Trolls like this that make it hard to help real newbies. I don’t mind being nice to newbies and helping them out without insulting them, but on this forum there have been multiple banned members who like to come back and pretend they are newbies trying to either prove a point or just to get attention. But if I have to figure out if the post is real and if it is a Troll, it makes me less likely to try and help.

I hadn’t read the post in question until I saw this one. I saw that a forum member responded that they recognized the coin and that they used to own it, so not sure what you accomplished other than showing you were a Troll. And now people will be even more suspicious of new posters and will be more likely to either ignore them or to give dismissive responses.

Bummer glad I won't be seeking advice on here ANYMORE sucks for you guys trying to live your dream through a computer #GETALIFE #LOSERS