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for those of us who generally dislike eBay... with them taking steps to ensure coin authenticity...

... I might become more interested. Questions:

  • what is this "Top Rated Seller" thing all about?
  • why does "search" work so poorly? seems like string searches are limited or return wacky results
  • do YOU actually have success as a buyer? I see mostly astronomical asking prices for coins
  • does the site seem terribly slow to you?

Just wondering if it's worth my time to make eBay a destination again -- I have avoided the site for probably at least ten years now and get most of my news and understanding from reading threads on forums like this one.

Lots of questions - please feel free to chime in on any other insights you might have. I loved using eBay up until about the time implementing PayPal destroyed my experience with the site (yes, going back many years LOL).

Official PCGS account of:

www.TallahasseeCoinClub.com

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Comments

  • Options

    "what is this "Top Rated Seller" thing all about?"
    https://www.ebay.com/sellercenter/protections/top-rated-program

    "why does "search" work so poorly? seems like string searches are limited or return wacky results"
    There was a thread on this about a week ago. Search works or not, depending on how you use it.

    "do YOU actually have success as a buyer? I see mostly astronomical asking prices for coins"
    I regularly buy stuff on eBay that I resell on eBay for a profit, so- yes, I do have success.

    "does the site seem terribly slow to you?"
    No.

  • Options

    Search works very well if you know how to use search. You also have advanced search options on a laptop or you can use quotation marks, parenthesis, +, -, etc.

    Millions of individual sales taking place annually on eBay. Do you really have to ask if anyone is having success as a buyer?

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

  • Options

    I use Ebay for research mostly these days. I like to look at the sold prices (assuming they are real deals) to see where the "market" is on certain items or how many are selling and how many are listed. I think the new coin authenticity might be more difficult than they think depending on who they use. Will they use just pictures? An understanding of the minting process is vital to rooting out counterfeit coins... The site is not slow to me no.

    The court jester does not play, but gently pulls the strings…

  • Options

    @Coin Finder said:
    I use Ebay for research mostly these days. I like to look at the sold prices (assuming they are real deals) to see where the "market" is on certain items or how many are selling and how many are listed. I think the new coin authenticity might be more difficult than they think depending on who they use. Will they use just pictures? An understanding of the minting process is vital to rooting out counterfeit coins... The site is not slow to me no.

    If you read the authentication thread, it has the details. PCGS is authenticating IN HAND.

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

  • Options

    I'm looking forward to PCGS coinfacts updating their auction records with ebay, etc..

    Ebay is the biggest vendor out there for used merchandise. I don't think the authenticity guarantee is all that great except for uneducated buyers. People have been able to send stuff back for a long time now. Most fakes are obvious.

  • Options

    Are you asking from a buying or selling standpoint? I think the Authenticity Guarantee offers new protections for the seller. You don't have to worry about someone buying an expensive coin and returning an empty envelope. Or someone messing with a return label where it shows returned, but actually wasn't.

  • Options

    @TrickleCharge said:
    Are you asking from a buying or selling standpoint? I think the Authenticity Guarantee offers new protections for the seller. You don't have to worry about someone buying an expensive coin and returning an empty envelope. Or someone messing with a return label where it shows returned, but actually wasn't.

    It also offers new protections for buyers. You will get professional eyes on an expensive raw coin.

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

  • Options

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @TrickleCharge said:
    Are you asking from a buying or selling standpoint? I think the Authenticity Guarantee offers new protections for the seller. You don't have to worry about someone buying an expensive coin and returning an empty envelope. Or someone messing with a return label where it shows returned, but actually wasn't.

    It also offers new protections for buyers. You will get professional eyes on an expensive raw coin.

    It also protects eBay from frivolous claims under their guarantees. This program may actually pay for itself.

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
    "Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
    "Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire

  • Options

    @PerryHall said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @TrickleCharge said:
    Are you asking from a buying or selling standpoint? I think the Authenticity Guarantee offers new protections for the seller. You don't have to worry about someone buying an expensive coin and returning an empty envelope. Or someone messing with a return label where it shows returned, but actually wasn't.

    It also offers new protections for buyers. You will get professional eyes on an expensive raw coin.

    It also protects eBay from frivolous claims under their guarantees. This program may actually pay for itself.

    True. I really don't see much downside other than possible shipping delays. Not that I'm underestimating that problem. I have had some VERY impatient customers. LOL. Fortunately, 95% of what I sell is under $500 anyway.

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

  • Options
    mr1931Smr1931S ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited September 2, 2026 10:32AM

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @Coin Finder said:
    I use Ebay for research mostly these days. I like to look at the sold prices (assuming they are real deals) to see where the "market" is on certain items or how many are selling and how many are listed. I think the new coin authenticity might be more difficult than they think depending on who they use. Will they use just pictures? An understanding of the minting process is vital to rooting out counterfeit coins... The site is not slow to me no.

    If you read the authentication thread, it has the details. PCGS is authenticating IN HAND.

    Does PCGS reholder the coin? I've always been under the impression that authentication happens with a TPG when COIN IS IN HAND not COIN IN HOLDER IS IN HAND.

    “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15, KJV)

  • Options

    @mr1931S said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @Coin Finder said:
    I use Ebay for research mostly these days. I like to look at the sold prices (assuming they are real deals) to see where the "market" is on certain items or how many are selling and how many are listed. I think the new coin authenticity might be more difficult than they think depending on who they use. Will they use just pictures? An understanding of the minting process is vital to rooting out counterfeit coins... The site is not slow to me no.

    If you read the authentication thread, it has the details. PCGS is authenticating IN HAND.

    Does PCGS reholder the coin? I've always been under the impression that authentication happens with a TPG when COIN IS IN HAND not COIN IN HOLDER IN HAND.

    No

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

  • Options

    @Coin Finder said:
    I use Ebay for research mostly these days. I like to look at the sold prices (assuming they are real deals) to see where the "market" is on certain items or how many are selling and how many are listed. I think the new coin authenticity might be more difficult than they think depending on who they use. Will they use just pictures? An understanding of the minting process is vital to rooting out counterfeit coins... The site is not slow to me no.

    I also use eBay for research, but for current counterfeits. Can't go a day without seeing counterfeits listed there currently.

  • Options

    Its the largest coin show on the planet!

    Student of numismatics and collector of Morgan dollars
    Successful BST transactions with: Namvet Justindan Mattniss RWW olah_in_MA
    Dantheman984 Toyz4geo SurfinxHI greencopper RWW bigjpst bretsan MWallace logger7 JWP BruceS bigjpst
    JWP PROMETHIUS88

  • Options

    @Morgan13 said:
    Its the largest coin show on the planet!

    24/7/365

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

  • Options

    Patience is the key word....mailed a $550 coin to 3rd party last friday. from OH To CA..to be delivered today to the 3rd party grader..then on to the buyer...looks like a 2 week turnaround.....

  • Options

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @mr1931S said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @Coin Finder said:
    I use Ebay for research mostly these days. I like to look at the sold prices (assuming they are real deals) to see where the "market" is on certain items or how many are selling and how many are listed. I think the new coin authenticity might be more difficult than they think depending on who they use. Will they use just pictures? An understanding of the minting process is vital to rooting out counterfeit coins... The site is not slow to me no.

    If you read the authentication thread, it has the details. PCGS is authenticating IN HAND.

    Does PCGS reholder the coin? I've always been under the impression that authentication happens with a TPG when COIN IS IN HAND not COIN IN HOLDER IN HAND.

    No

    Is my impression wrong?

    “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15, KJV)

  • Options

    @mr1931S said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @mr1931S said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @Coin Finder said:
    I use Ebay for research mostly these days. I like to look at the sold prices (assuming they are real deals) to see where the "market" is on certain items or how many are selling and how many are listed. I think the new coin authenticity might be more difficult than they think depending on who they use. Will they use just pictures? An understanding of the minting process is vital to rooting out counterfeit coins... The site is not slow to me no.

    If you read the authentication thread, it has the details. PCGS is authenticating IN HAND.

    Does PCGS reholder the coin? I've always been under the impression that authentication happens with a TPG when COIN IS IN HAND not COIN IN HOLDER IN HAND.

    No

    Is my impression wrong?

    Go research how it works yourself. It's described on ebay.

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

  • Options

    @mr1931S said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @Morgan13 said:
    Its the largest coin show on the planet!

    24/7/365

    24/7/365 mostly shlock show. There was a day when one could buy a decent coin from a seller on ebay. Not that nice coins have ever been particularly abundant on ebay.

    You still can.

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

  • Options

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @mr1931S said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @Morgan13 said:
    Its the largest coin show on the planet!

    24/7/365

    24/7/365 mostly shlock show. There was a day when one could buy a decent coin from a seller on ebay. Not that nice coins have ever been particularly abundant on ebay.

    You still can.

    I sold a decent one, here's the feedback:

    How often in life — when you buy something in an “e-auction” — can you share feedback that says “exceeds expectations.” Or, even more rare, “MASSIVELY Exceeds Expectations.” I’m saying that here. This coin is “GORGEOUS” — even better than described. A TERRIFIC value. Fast shipping, Careful packaging. Gave me a good price. i’ll DEFINITELY be buying from ***** again. Thank you 🙏 To open that package, and be stunned by this coin. I feel joyful … ecstatic 🤩

    But yeah, sure... there's plenty of crap too- like any reasonable person would expect to find any place that has millions of coins available for purchase.

  • Options

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @mr1931S said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @mr1931S said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @Coin Finder said:
    I use Ebay for research mostly these days. I like to look at the sold prices (assuming they are real deals) to see where the "market" is on certain items or how many are selling and how many are listed. I think the new coin authenticity might be more difficult than they think depending on who they use. Will they use just pictures? An understanding of the minting process is vital to rooting out counterfeit coins... The site is not slow to me no.

    If you read the authentication thread, it has the details. PCGS is authenticating IN HAND.

    Does PCGS reholder the coin? I've always been under the impression that authentication happens with a TPG when COIN IS IN HAND not COIN IN HOLDER IN HAND.

    No

    Is my impression wrong?

    Go research how it works yourself. It's described on ebay.

    Why would I go to ebay for an answer to my question? My impression is and has been for a long time that authentication happens with a TPG when COIN IS IN HAND not COIN IN HOLDER IS IN HAND.
    Forget about ebay. Waste of time for me to go to ebay to "describe," as you say, what happens at any TPG, not just PCGS.

    “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15, KJV)

  • Options

    @mr1931S said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @mr1931S said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @mr1931S said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @Coin Finder said:
    I use Ebay for research mostly these days. I like to look at the sold prices (assuming they are real deals) to see where the "market" is on certain items or how many are selling and how many are listed. I think the new coin authenticity might be more difficult than they think depending on who they use. Will they use just pictures? An understanding of the minting process is vital to rooting out counterfeit coins... The site is not slow to me no.

    If you read the authentication thread, it has the details. PCGS is authenticating IN HAND.

    Does PCGS reholder the coin? I've always been under the impression that authentication happens with a TPG when COIN IS IN HAND not COIN IN HOLDER IN HAND.

    No

    Is my impression wrong?

    Go research how it works yourself. It's described on ebay.

    Why would I go to ebay for an answer to my question? My impression is and has been for a long time that authentication happens with a TPG when COIN IS IN HAND not COIN IN HOLDER IS IN HAND.
    Forget about ebay. Waste of time for me to go to ebay to "describe," as you say, what happens at any TPG, not just PCGS.

    You do not understand the eBay service AT ALL. Go look at that. Your objection is moot with a capital MOO.

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

  • Options

    @MasonG said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @mr1931S said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @Morgan13 said:
    Its the largest coin show on the planet!

    24/7/365

    24/7/365 mostly shlock show. There was a day when one could buy a decent coin from a seller on ebay. Not that nice coins have ever been particularly abundant on ebay.

    You still can.

    I sold a decent one, here's the feedback:

    How often in life — when you buy something in an “e-auction” — can you share feedback that says “exceeds expectations.” Or, even more rare, “MASSIVELY Exceeds Expectations.” I’m saying that here. This coin is “GORGEOUS” — even better than described. A TERRIFIC value. Fast shipping, Careful packaging. Gave me a good price. i’ll DEFINITELY be buying from ***** again. Thank you 🙏 To open that package, and be stunned by this coin. I feel joyful … ecstatic 🤩

    But yeah, sure... there's plenty of crap too- like any reasonable person would expect to find any place that has millions of coins available for purchase.

    Exactly.

    I recently sold a paper money sheet that came from Q. David Bowers and originally sold on SB. So I guess it WAS a decent piece then but became "schlock" when i sold it.

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

  • Options

    Does PCGS reholder the coin? I've always been under the impression that authentication happens with a TPG when COIN IS IN HAND not COIN IN HOLDER IN HAND.

    No

    Is my impression wrong?

    Go research how it works yourself. It's described on ebay.

    Why would I go to ebay for an answer to my question? My impression is and has been for a long time that authentication happens with a TPG when COIN IS IN HAND not COIN IN HOLDER IS IN HAND.
    Forget about ebay. Waste of time for me to go to ebay to "describe," as you say, what happens at any TPG, not just PCGS.

    You do not understand the eBay service AT ALL. Go look at that. Your objection is moot with a capital MOO.

    pretty slick the way you are avoiding answering my question. Is my impression correct or is it wrong? Shouldn't be that tough a question for you. FORGET ebay. The question is about what happens at the TPG.

    “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15, KJV)

  • Options
    TomBTomB ✭✭✭✭✭

    Use it if it works for you and makes sense. Don’t use it if it doesn’t.

    Thomas Bush Numismatics & Numismatic Photography

    In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson

    image
  • Options

    @TrickleCharge said:
    Are you asking from a buying or selling standpoint? I think the Authenticity Guarantee offers new protections for the seller. You don't have to worry about someone buying an expensive coin and returning an empty envelope. Or someone messing with a return label where it shows returned, but actually wasn't.

    So buyers can't return an item if it has been authenticated?

  • Options

    @davewesen said:

    @TrickleCharge said:
    Are you asking from a buying or selling standpoint? I think the Authenticity Guarantee offers new protections for the seller. You don't have to worry about someone buying an expensive coin and returning an empty envelope. Or someone messing with a return label where it shows returned, but actually wasn't.

    So buyers can't return an item if it has been authenticated?

    I have the same question.

    “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15, KJV)

  • Options

    What buyers need to know about returns

    Some purchases inspected under Authenticity Guarantee are considered final sale. eBay Money Back Guarantee does not cover final sale purchases on the basis that the item doesn't match the listing.

    Returns for final sale purchases are only eligible for coverage under eBay Money Back Guarantee when:

    -The item was damaged during shipping, or
    -The seller doesn't honor their stated returns policy.

    Final sale definitions by product category:
    Coins: The seller doesn't offer returns or the return window stated in the listing has passed.

    https://www.ebay.com/help/buying/buying-authenticity-guarantee/buying-authenticity-guarantee?id=5470

  • Options

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @MasonG said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @mr1931S said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @Morgan13 said:
    Its the largest coin show on the planet!

    24/7/365

    24/7/365 mostly shlock show. There was a day when one could buy a decent coin from a seller on ebay. Not that nice coins have ever been particularly abundant on ebay.

    You still can.

    I sold a decent one, here's the feedback:

    How often in life — when you buy something in an “e-auction” — can you share feedback that says “exceeds expectations.” Or, even more rare, “MASSIVELY Exceeds Expectations.” I’m saying that here. This coin is “GORGEOUS” — even better than described. A TERRIFIC value. Fast shipping, Careful packaging. Gave me a good price. i’ll DEFINITELY be buying from ***** again. Thank you 🙏 To open that package, and be stunned by this coin. I feel joyful … ecstatic 🤩

    But yeah, sure... there's plenty of crap too- like any reasonable person would expect to find any place that has millions of coins available for purchase.

    Exactly.

    I recently sold a paper money sheet that came from Q. David Bowers and originally sold on SB. So I guess it WAS a decent piece then but became "schlock" when i sold it.

    Show me an undoctored picture of it just before you sold it and I'll give my opinion.

    “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15, KJV)

  • Options

    A quick internet search would find those answers.

    Just sayin'. :)

  • Options
    mr1931Smr1931S ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited September 2, 2026 1:51PM

    Some purchases inspected under Authenticity Guarantee are considered final sale.

    I'm was a seller and my returns policy became "No Returns" after a buyer tried to game me. That was long ago and I learned a hard lesson about customer returns from the seller standpoint. I buy the slabbed coin which I believe to be authentic. Why do I need another opinion about the piece's authenticity when comes time to sell?

    “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15, KJV)

  • Options

    @mr1931S said:

    Does PCGS reholder the coin? I've always been under the impression that authentication happens with a TPG when COIN IS IN HAND not COIN IN HOLDER IN HAND.

    No

    Is my impression wrong?

    Go research how it works yourself. It's described on ebay.

    Why would I go to ebay for an answer to my question? My impression is and has been for a long time that authentication happens with a TPG when COIN IS IN HAND not COIN IN HOLDER IS IN HAND.
    Forget about ebay. Waste of time for me to go to ebay to "describe," as you say, what happens at any TPG, not just PCGS.

    You do not understand the eBay service AT ALL. Go look at that. Your objection is moot with a capital MOO.

    pretty slick the way you are avoiding answering my question. Is my impression correct or is it wrong? Shouldn't be that tough a question for you. FORGET ebay. The question is about what happens at the TPG.

    They do NOT authenticate slabbed coins. They authenticate the slab.

    If you ever learn how to search for information, you can find the details on ebay

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

  • Options

    @mr1931S said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @MasonG said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @mr1931S said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @Morgan13 said:
    Its the largest coin show on the planet!

    24/7/365

    24/7/365 mostly shlock show. There was a day when one could buy a decent coin from a seller on ebay. Not that nice coins have ever been particularly abundant on ebay.

    You still can.

    I sold a decent one, here's the feedback:

    How often in life — when you buy something in an “e-auction” — can you share feedback that says “exceeds expectations.” Or, even more rare, “MASSIVELY Exceeds Expectations.” I’m saying that here. This coin is “GORGEOUS” — even better than described. A TERRIFIC value. Fast shipping, Careful packaging. Gave me a good price. i’ll DEFINITELY be buying from ***** again. Thank you 🙏 To open that package, and be stunned by this coin. I feel joyful … ecstatic 🤩

    But yeah, sure... there's plenty of crap too- like any reasonable person would expect to find any place that has millions of coins available for purchase.

    Exactly.

    I recently sold a paper money sheet that came from Q. David Bowers and originally sold on SB. So I guess it WAS a decent piece then but became "schlock" when i sold it.

    Show me an undoctored picture of it just before you sold it and I'll give my opinion.

    If you pay me $50, I'll allow you to give me your opinion.

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

  • Options

    @MasonG said:
    A quick internet search would find those answers.

    Just sayin'. :)

    Ya think?

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

  • Options

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @mr1931S said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @MasonG said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @mr1931S said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @Morgan13 said:
    Its the largest coin show on the planet!

    24/7/365

    24/7/365 mostly shlock show. There was a day when one could buy a decent coin from a seller on ebay. Not that nice coins have ever been particularly abundant on ebay.

    You still can.

    I sold a decent one, here's the feedback:

    How often in life — when you buy something in an “e-auction” — can you share feedback that says “exceeds expectations.” Or, even more rare, “MASSIVELY Exceeds Expectations.” I’m saying that here. This coin is “GORGEOUS” — even better than described. A TERRIFIC value. Fast shipping, Careful packaging. Gave me a good price. i’ll DEFINITELY be buying from ***** again. Thank you 🙏 To open that package, and be stunned by this coin. I feel joyful … ecstatic 🤩

    But yeah, sure... there's plenty of crap too- like any reasonable person would expect to find any place that has millions of coins available for purchase.

    Exactly.

    I recently sold a paper money sheet that came from Q. David Bowers and originally sold on SB. So I guess it WAS a decent piece then but became "schlock" when i sold it.

    Show me an undoctored picture of it just before you sold it and I'll give my opinion.

    If you pay me $50, I'll allow you to give me your opinion.

    I was going to say his opinion is worthless but you are more correct. His opinion is worth less than worthless; it has negative value.

    chopmarkedtradedollars.com

  • Options

    @lermish said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @mr1931S said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @MasonG said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @mr1931S said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @Morgan13 said:
    Its the largest coin show on the planet!

    24/7/365

    24/7/365 mostly shlock show. There was a day when one could buy a decent coin from a seller on ebay. Not that nice coins have ever been particularly abundant on ebay.

    You still can.

    I sold a decent one, here's the feedback:

    How often in life — when you buy something in an “e-auction” — can you share feedback that says “exceeds expectations.” Or, even more rare, “MASSIVELY Exceeds Expectations.” I’m saying that here. This coin is “GORGEOUS” — even better than described. A TERRIFIC value. Fast shipping, Careful packaging. Gave me a good price. i’ll DEFINITELY be buying from ***** again. Thank you 🙏 To open that package, and be stunned by this coin. I feel joyful … ecstatic 🤩

    But yeah, sure... there's plenty of crap too- like any reasonable person would expect to find any place that has millions of coins available for purchase.

    Exactly.

    I recently sold a paper money sheet that came from Q. David Bowers and originally sold on SB. So I guess it WAS a decent piece then but became "schlock" when i sold it.

    Show me an undoctored picture of it just before you sold it and I'll give my opinion.

    If you pay me $50, I'll allow you to give me your opinion.

    I was going to say his opinion is worthless but you are more correct. His opinion is worth less than worthless; it has negative value.

    FWIW, the item he wants to inspect is one of less than 10 known. I could also post 100 (1000?) 5-figure coins that sold on eBay this week. But it's just not worth the effort.

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

  • Options

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @lermish said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @mr1931S said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @MasonG said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @mr1931S said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @Morgan13 said:
    Its the largest coin show on the planet!

    24/7/365

    24/7/365 mostly shlock show. There was a day when one could buy a decent coin from a seller on ebay. Not that nice coins have ever been particularly abundant on ebay.

    You still can.

    I sold a decent one, here's the feedback:

    How often in life — when you buy something in an “e-auction” — can you share feedback that says “exceeds expectations.” Or, even more rare, “MASSIVELY Exceeds Expectations.” I’m saying that here. This coin is “GORGEOUS” — even better than described. A TERRIFIC value. Fast shipping, Careful packaging. Gave me a good price. i’ll DEFINITELY be buying from ***** again. Thank you 🙏 To open that package, and be stunned by this coin. I feel joyful … ecstatic 🤩

    But yeah, sure... there's plenty of crap too- like any reasonable person would expect to find any place that has millions of coins available for purchase.

    Exactly.

    I recently sold a paper money sheet that came from Q. David Bowers and originally sold on SB. So I guess it WAS a decent piece then but became "schlock" when i sold it.

    Show me an undoctored picture of it just before you sold it and I'll give my opinion.

    If you pay me $50, I'll allow you to give me your opinion.

    I was going to say his opinion is worthless but you are more correct. His opinion is worth less than worthless; it has negative value.

    FWIW, the item he wants to inspect is one of less than 10 known. I could also post 100 (1000?) 5-figure coins that sold on eBay this week. But it's just not worth the effort.

    Yeah but it's been tainted by being on eBay. Worse than bringing it into the bathroom. The mint probably won't even take it back.

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    @lermish said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @mr1931S said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @MasonG said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @mr1931S said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @Morgan13 said:
    Its the largest coin show on the planet!

    24/7/365

    24/7/365 mostly shlock show. There was a day when one could buy a decent coin from a seller on ebay. Not that nice coins have ever been particularly abundant on ebay.

    You still can.

    I sold a decent one, here's the feedback:

    How often in life — when you buy something in an “e-auction” — can you share feedback that says “exceeds expectations.” Or, even more rare, “MASSIVELY Exceeds Expectations.” I’m saying that here. This coin is “GORGEOUS” — even better than described. A TERRIFIC value. Fast shipping, Careful packaging. Gave me a good price. i’ll DEFINITELY be buying from ***** again. Thank you 🙏 To open that package, and be stunned by this coin. I feel joyful … ecstatic 🤩

    But yeah, sure... there's plenty of crap too- like any reasonable person would expect to find any place that has millions of coins available for purchase.

    Exactly.

    I recently sold a paper money sheet that came from Q. David Bowers and originally sold on SB. So I guess it WAS a decent piece then but became "schlock" when i sold it.

    Show me an undoctored picture of it just before you sold it and I'll give my opinion.

    If you pay me $50, I'll allow you to give me your opinion.

    I was going to say his opinion is worthless but you are more correct. His opinion is worth less than worthless; it has negative value.

    Now, now. I identified that pathetic excuse for a 1909-S V.D.B. (the one with image showing the 'S' way, way too far left relative to the 1909 date) as a counterfeit instantly on seeing it. Under 5 seconds, record time for me. There was some head scratching going on with other members about the reverse. I stated that one doesn't even need to turn the coin over to look at the reverse. The obverse tells the story about the piece's authenticity instantly for those who know 'S' positions for genuine 1909-S LC both with and without V.D.B. And you say my opinion has negative value? Why not post image of your 1909-S V.D.B. that you have owned or currently own and get my "negative value" opinion? I double dog dare ya. :D

    “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15, KJV)

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    The new dynamic duo, lermish and jmlanzaf. This forum is so much fun.

    “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15, KJV)

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    This is my test case for the process:

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    @JDark said:
    This is my test case for the process:

    Are you buying it? Otherwise, how are you going to know how it goes?

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

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    @mr1931S said:
    The new dynamic duo, lermish and jmlanzaf. This forum is so much fun.

    You might examine how your behavior results in the responses you get.

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

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    @logger7 said:
    I'm looking forward to PCGS coinfacts updating their auction records with ebay, etc..

    Ebay is the biggest vendor out there for used merchandise. I don't think the authenticity guarantee is all that great except for uneducated buyers. People have been able to send stuff back for a long time now. Most fakes are obvious.

    You can include eBay sales on CoinFacts, just click the "show eBay" button.

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    @PerryHall said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @TrickleCharge said:
    Are you asking from a buying or selling standpoint? I think the Authenticity Guarantee offers new protections for the seller. You don't have to worry about someone buying an expensive coin and returning an empty envelope. Or someone messing with a return label where it shows returned, but actually wasn't.

    It also offers new protections for buyers. You will get professional eyes on an expensive raw coin.

    It also protects eBay from frivolous claims under their guarantees. This program may actually pay for itself.

    Correct.

    Think of the guarantee as a form of moderation.

    Filtering of the unwanted, spurious and illegal merch.

    Somewhat cumbersome and costly for ebay especially but it will enhance buyer satisfaction, and that should translate into positives for the hobby.

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    So will expensive coins from known dealers have to go through this process too? That’ll only jack up prices even more…..🤔

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    @safari_dude said:
    So will expensive coins from known dealers have to go through this process too? That’ll only jack up prices even more…..🤔

    Why would it change the price at all?

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

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    @jmlanzaf said:

    They do NOT authenticate slabbed coins. They authenticate the slab.

    I don't buy or sell on eBay, so this thread is of no immediate consequence to me. Nonetheless, I find it interesting. And I hope the steps being taken by eBay improve the platform for both sellers and buyers.

    Re your comment, it did not occur to me that TPG's would authenticate only the slab. I thought they at least might run a Sigma wand over the coin (if gold or silver), verify the combined weight of the coin and slab, or perform similarly simple tests without having to remove the coin from the slab. But maybe authenticating only the slab (dimensions, label, NFC chip, etc) is sufficient.

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    @cinque1543 said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    They do NOT authenticate slabbed coins. They authenticate the slab.

    I don't buy or sell on eBay, so this thread is of no immediate consequence to me. Nonetheless, I find it interesting. And I hope the steps being taken by eBay improve the platform for both sellers and buyers.

    Re your comment, it did not occur to me that TPG's would authenticate only the slab. I thought they at least might run a Sigma wand over the coin (if gold or silver), verify the combined weight of the coin and slab, or perform similarly simple tests without having to remove the coin from the slab. But maybe authenticating only the slab (dimensions, label, NFC chip, etc) is sufficient.

    If PCGS has already slabbed and authenticated the coin, why do they need to do anything but verify that the slab is genuine. All the prior guarantees are in place. If you buy a coin from an auction house in a slab, do you send it in to be reevaluated?

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

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    @jmlanzaf said:

    @mr1931S said:
    The new dynamic duo, lermish and jmlanzaf. This forum is so much fun.

    You might examine how your behavior results in the responses you get.

    Where's your SVDB for me to give my opinion on? I've got as much right to post here with my opinions as anyone, including you.

    “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15, KJV)

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    mr1931Smr1931S ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited September 3, 2026 7:03AM

    So the service ebay is touting then is slab authentication. I see.

    “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15, KJV)

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    Today, I went through the raw CC Trade Dollars listed with the eBay Authenticity Guarantee and did not see a single obvious fake CC Trade Dollar with the Authenticity Guarantee. The eBay seller's are already policing themselves and not listing the counterfeits. In the long run the buyers are going to pay for the program, but it appears that eBay has found an effective and cost efficient way to get counterfeit coins over $500 off their website.

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