The dumbest "real" auction description I've ever seen

Barry

I wouldn't be surprised to see something like this on Ebay, but...
From Superior's auction today:

1855 Half Dime Possible Proof 60
Possibly artificially toned; housed in Numistrust Proof 63 holder tagged "artificial toning" -- yet a very rare coin just the same IF the method of manufacture is Proof. It is difficult to know 100% but the possibility exists in this case. We cannot make any warranties as we are unable to inspect the outer rim and milling of the coin due to the encapsulation. Surfaces and rim certainly look appropriate for a Proof, however. (Minor rim lamination on the reverse.) Inspection recommended.

The obvious question is:
If there's a question about MS vs. PF and looking at the rims would help answer the question, why keep it hidden in the (bogus) plastic, especially for a rarity?

Make me wonder about the ethics and integrity of the auction house.

Conder101

If the coin is owned by a consignor and he has not given permission for them to crack it out there is nothing they can do but describe it the best they can.

Barry

They can say "We can't attribute the coin as is. Either it comes out of the POS holder or we won't auction it. You can always reholder it after our experts inspect it."

ColonialCoinUnion

I certainly agree with Barry -

Is this something a leading auction firm should be proud to include in their sale?

ddink

They admit that the toning is artificial and that there is doubt about whether the coin is MS or PR. To me they have done the right thing in informing the public of these questions. Why should they refuse to auction the guy's coin? Just provide an accurate description and move on.

sliderider

Looks like a POS to me. One of the stars along the left side obverse is nearly missing, and I hope those are wisps of toning to the right of the liberty figure and not scratches.

dorkkarl

<< <i>If there's a question about MS vs. PF and looking at the rims would help answer the question, why keep it hidden in the (bogus) plastic, especially for a rarity? >>

the auction house does not own the coin. in fact, their consginment agreements clearly state this. therefore, it makes no sense that they would want to, or demand to be allowed to alter someone else's property.

is a real-estate broker allowed to tear down all the trees in front of a house before selling it just becuase he doesn't like 'em?

K S

Barry

Karl,
In answer to your question, no. But if a home inspector comes along to certify the house (no, not encase it in plastic) that everything is AOK, is it acceptible for him to say "everything looks fine, but since the door was locked I can't be sure?"

Russ

<< <i>They can say "We can't attribute the coin as is. Either it comes out of the POS holder or we won't auction it. >>



I agree. When I sell consignment coins on eBay, it either gets cracked out of these third world slabs or I won't sell it.

Russ, NCNE

K6AZ

This doesn't surprise me at all. Remember, Superior is the former TAGZ.

JxnBoy

<< <i>...if a home inspector comes along to certify the house (no, not encase it in plastic) that everything is AOK, is it acceptible for him to say "everything looks fine, but since the door was locked I can't be sure?" >>

ColonialCoinUnion

<< <i>
is a real-estate broker allowed to tear down all the trees in front of a house before selling it just becuase he doesn't like 'em?

K S >>



I think your analogy is off the mark. A better one would be: 'Should a real estate agent named Mr. Superior be compelled to represent any seller, even if the house in question is a complete piece of crap with a leaky roof and termite infestation?'

ccex

<< <i>

<< <i>
is a real-estate broker allowed to tear down all the trees in front of a house before selling it just becuase he doesn't like 'em?

K S >>



I think your analogy is off the mark. A better one would be: 'Should a real estate agent named Mr. Superior be compelled to represent any seller, even if the house in question is a complete piece of crap with a leaky roof and termite infestation?' >>



How about: "Should a real estate agent named Mr. Superior be compelled to represent a seller who insists on using the opinion of a real-estate appraiser who will sell his opinions for a price, even though the opinion desired by the buyer differs significantly from market reality?"

littlejohn

hi
can you tell me why thay put pcgs no. on a ngc coins.????
littlejohn