What I've learned after a week on the board.

mtnman

1. Never buy a raw coin on e-bay that is supposed to be an overdate.

I bought an 1887/6 Morgan in AU. When it came I e-mailed the seller, but I guess he had forgotten how to use his e-mail. Never heard from him. Got the coin back from ANACS today. AU details Net EF40 cleaned. Not an overdate.

2. Never buy a raw coin on e-bay that the seller says is MS60 or better.

Bought an 1891-CC described as MS62 with good chance of making MS63.
Wrong again. Coin came back AU58.

3. Basically never buy any raw coins from e-bay.

I'm learning thanks to you guys and have already bought some very nice Morgans through the buy and sell board.

mtnman

Russ

<< <i>3. Basically never buy any raw coins from e-bay. >>



You'll miss many opportunities if you adhere to that. There are sellers who offer raw material who can be trusted to grade correctly. There are even times when you can cherry pick great deals. eBay certainly has it's share of schysters, but it also has it's share of good deals. The watchword is caution.

Russ, NCNE

bearcave

I have made some very good raw buys on ebay, but until you get to know what you are looking for and at, stick with already graded coins and you will be better off. I have bought some nice Morgan's at AU money and have them grade MS.

And yes, I do still get stuck with a cleaned coin once in a while as pictures are very deceiving sometimes. And the sellers are getting better at taking pictures.

Catch22

Yes, the flashing yellow caution light is the rule of the day on ebay. On the bright side, as you become more experienced and comfortable with your own skills, you can begin to look at the raw coins on ebay again. Just gotta have a lil patience....or a fat wallet.

Myqqy

What everyone else said... the truth is that the majority of coins out there are still uncertified, and your chances of finding nice quality pieces goes up as your experience and savvy go up..... never say never!

numonebuyer

<< <i>3. Basically never buy any raw coins from e-bay. >>



This is not true 100% of the time. There are a few Very Good dealers that sell raw coins on eBay.

The bottom line is that if it sounds too good to be true... You know what to do...

UncleWiggly

When in doubt, ask the board. There are members here also that are selling raw coins both on e-Bay and elsewhere that would be reasonably safe to buy. Jerry

Wolf359

You'll miss many opportunities if you adhere to that. There are sellers who offer raw material who can be trusted to grade correctly. There are even times when you can cherry pick great deals. eBay certainly has it's share of schysters, but it also has it's share of good deals.

100% Accurate. Make sure about the return policy, and return coins that don't match. A 7/6 overdate is easily confirmed when you get the coin. Here's what it looks like. Also, you can ask for a closeup photo before bidding. If the seller balks, be advised.