Ebay mechanic at work

slumlord98

This seller has taken a seriously rare, but seriously fugly coin and "improved" it a bit. Some may like his work, others may not. But judging by his markup, the mechanic's bill must have been extensive. For those who are interested in provenance, this is the ex-Roland Willasch specimen, worst of 4 known. Although Overton lists this 106a as R5, the BHNC has rated it as R7+.

If someone would be so kind as to change my URLs to links, I would be most appreciative.

http://www.heritagecoins.com/common/view_item.php?Sale_No=376&Lot_No=6200&src=pr

http://cgi.ebay.com/1794-Half-Dollar-0106-VF-Detail-R6_W0QQitemZ8347297872QQcategoryZ11969QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Cladiator

Heritage Link

eBay Link

Personally, I don't think the coin should have been messed with.

Outhaul

Linky-poo
Linky-poo-poo

DNADave

After being drilled, then plugged, can any more work really hurt that much?

JadeRareCoin

The problem that I have is that the seller did NOT disclose the fact that the coin was holed/plugged, then repaired again. He knows that it was reworked, but he says in the description that "the coin appears smashed". Give me a break.

LickThoseStamps

Worse than that..... In his Q&A he denies that it has been plugged.

TommyType

In his defense, he may be the second or third owner since the last sale, and really doesn't know it was holed/plugged.

has the color been worked too? Hard to say from the Heritage pics.

lordmarcovan

Why anyone would plug a perfectly good hole in a coin is beyond me.

Right, Thiggy?

Dismeguy

As with any coin on ebay, it is buyer beware..... but seller's should have some level of knowledge and credibility for representing their products, especially for a bust coin of this significance.

Conder101

<< <i>In his defense, he may be the second or third owner since the last sale, and really doesn't know it was holed/plugged. >>


Except that the plug still clearly shows in the eBay auction photos.

PerryHall

The seller is Richard Gross who is a Baltimore coin dealer. What kind of reputation does he have? Anyone here ever deal with him?

Weiss

The fact that he's attributed an obvious hole and plug to a "die crack" is pretty sad. Holes were put in coins in every location you can imagine. But I'd wager better than half were exactly where you or I would put a hole if we were so inclined: right about 12:00. See a good but uncertified coin with a "die crack", heavy thumbing, weak strike, etc. at 12:00, it should make you suspicious.

fc

very informative post, thank you.

it is a good reminder never to trust the seller and get many many opinions from others.

some dealers are sharks.

coinguy1

<< <i>The seller is Richard Gross who is a Baltimore coin dealer. What kind of reputation does he have? Anyone here ever deal with him? >>

I know who he is and I believe he knows his stuff. I sent him an email

Russ

His Q&A answers are evasive enough to indicate that he knows damned well what he's doing.

Russ, NCNE

tlhoy

<< <i>His Q&A answers are evasive enough to indicate that he knows damned well what he's doing.

Russ, NCNE >>



The damn things plugged and IMHO he knows it

It is the same coin!

marmac

This ebay users answers to direct questions are completely evasive and inexcusable. Regardless of the action he takes, whether he lists the problem pulls the auction, whatever,..... he should be keel hauled!!

tlhoy

The seller ended this listing early because the item is no longer available for sale.

Conder101

<< <i>The fact that he's attributed an obvious hole and plug to a "die crack" is pretty sad. >>


Well there IS a major die crack here as well. But yes he is avoiding mentioning the plug.

Nysoto

This is one ugly coin, before and after. But I like ugly, rare, interesting coins, and bid $1600 at Heritage. The seller should disclose the plugging and other tooling. This is at least the second time on eBay from the same seller. An interesting example of a "broken cookie" die break found on many FH halves.

majorbigtime

I believe seler's 1796 quarter may also be holed & plugged:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8347847377&ssPageName=MERC_VIC_RSCC_Pr4_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT

Asked him/her a direct question--but no answer forthcoming.

Tarmac

These 2 threads should be joined at the hip.