What would you do?

RWW

Here's the scenario -

On Ebay, I was high bidder on one of the more expensive classic commems a few days ago. It was listed as Gem/BU and the winning bid was quite good for that grade on this coin - just under $350. Yes, it was a raw coin and was in a 2x2, with MS60 written on the holder. I sent payment out this morning in the form of a check.

For grins, I started reviewing the seller's feedback and saw something that disturbed me. His feedbacl is actually pretty good - over 330 positive, with 3 neutrals, and 2 negatives. A little over two months ago, the seller of the coin I was high bidder on, won the same type of coin in an auction - but, it was listed as polished and AU. The images associated with that auction were no longer available, so I couldn't do a direct comparison.

So, I've asked the guy who sold the polished AU version if he still has the images so I can do a comparison - no response yet. Next, I've gone to the seller and basically asked him if that is the same coin. He says he's bought and sold several of that same type of coin and can't remember...but, seems pretty honest - he's told me that if I do not want the coin to tell him so he can contact the back-bidder who he was sure wants the coin. The problem is, I want the coin as - if the grade is true - its a good buy.

Do I take the chance and follow-through or pass? What would you do?

Endocrinologist

What's his return policy? If you don't like it, return it.

RWW

Thanks...I forgot to add: no returns

maddox

Always go with your instinct, better to let the coin pass than taking a chance and getting burnt.

CLASSICS

<< <i>Thanks...I forgot to add: no returns >>

...............no returns, hummmmmmmmm ,there are to many others that offer a return policy, and its not like thats the only coin out there. stick with someone who stands behind what they sell.......

Dog97

No return on a raw $350 eBay coin?
Let the underbidder have it.

Catch22

Given the seller's reply, I suspect he just realized that he had rather sell the coin to someone that wouldn't know the difference between polished and Mint State.

K6AZ

It may not be the same coin, dealers in early commemoratives usually will handle many dupes. However, it is not a very good idea to buy any raw coin on eBay without a rock solid return policy. Those sellers of raw coins without a return privilege are usually using eBay as a dumping ground for junk coins. At this point, since you already won the auction and sent payment, I would follow through with it. If it turns out to be not as advertised, chalk it up as an expensive lesson learned on eBay.

rkfish

Let it ride and stop payment on check....

RWW

Thanks for the responses.

Since the seller has offered me an out, I've decided to take it and have offered to reimburse him the cost of Ebay's fees. I'll stop the check tomorrow.

This is a first for me - I've purchased a number of raw coins on Ebay and have had minimal problems...until this one. And, whether or not this is really a problem is pure conjecture. But, I'd rather spend the money on something I have a higher chance of being happy with.

Multiple lessons learned.

ARCO

No Return = You get the polished AU commem. Don't take a chance!

Tyler

K6AZ

Glad you were able to work it out with the seller. In the future, if you spend this kind of money for a raw coin, be sure there is a return policy. Be very suspicious of 'final' and 'estate' sales.