Home› U.S. Coin Forum
Options

.......................................

ctf_error_coinsctf_error_coins Posts: 15,433 ✭✭✭✭✭
move on please

.............

I bought some coins on ebay which (I Think) is a legally binding contract.

I asked for help on this board to see if what I bought was fake, and included no auction info. Here is the thread....

Link

Someone contacted the seller and offered her more and she tried to cancel the already completed auction in which I paid in full.

I need a Lawyer to send this seller a letter (if the seller refuses to send coins) regarding my purchase.. pro bono would be great as I am just getting starting with a new coin business and I am really strapped for cash. My other business of high End Nature photography (for 30 years) is a really hard way to make a living and thus the try in a new field.

I am also willing to pay in coins or in a high end nature photo if pro bono is not an option.

I need help. I am beside myself on this on as I came her for help and was betrayed.

I thank all of you who supported me, Chris





«13456

Comments

  • Options
    I stand by the comment I made in the other thread.

    Do you have any proof someone contacted the seller?

    It sure seems like you have zero proof.

    If you can't prove it definitely, you have no case. Even if you could prove it, you probably have no case, but I'm not a lawyer.
    image
    To support LordM's European Trip, click here!
  • Options
    ctf_error_coinsctf_error_coins Posts: 15,433 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I think the point is the contract, not what someone else did behind my back.

    image
  • Options
    19Lyds19Lyds Posts: 26,523 ✭✭✭✭
    Not to fan the flames here but what you are asking a lawyer to do is to legally enable you to steal something from this seller. You know that the coin is worth well over the $300 you paid and several professional dealers have stated as much! The seller was obviously not aware of its value but now is.

    To try and force this seller into this transaction is just wrong, regardless of what circumstance ocurred.
    I decided to change calling the bathroom the John and renamed it the Jim. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.



    The name is LEE!
  • Options


    << <i>I think the point is the contract, not what someone else did behind my back.

    image >>



    If they refund your money, I don't think you have a case.
    If they don't refund it, then by all means, sue their asses off.
    image
    To support LordM's European Trip, click here!
  • Options
    ctf_error_coinsctf_error_coins Posts: 15,433 ✭✭✭✭✭
    how am I stealing?

    what an insane statement
  • Options
    ctf_error_coinsctf_error_coins Posts: 15,433 ✭✭✭✭✭
    THE SELLER STILL HAS MY MONEY.
  • Options
    notwilightnotwilight Posts: 12,864 ✭✭✭
    I can't see the auction. How much money is involved? --Jerry
  • Options
    droopyddroopyd Posts: 5,381 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I bought some coins on ebay which (I Think) is a legally binding contract. >>



    While it is true that buying and selling an eBay creates a legally binding contract, enforcement of that contract is nearly impossible should one party decide for whatever reason to back out.

    Even if you took this to court and won a judgment, collecting on the judgment may prove impossible.
    Me at the Springfield coin show:
    image
    60 years into this hobby and I'm still working on my Lincoln set!
  • Options
    ctf_error_coinsctf_error_coins Posts: 15,433 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I can't see the auction. How much money is involved? --Jerry >>



    I purchased something for $300 and was taking a chance as they might of been fakes, If real they would be worth more.
  • Options
    ctf_error_coinsctf_error_coins Posts: 15,433 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>I bought some coins on ebay which (I Think) is a legally binding contract. >>



    While it is true that buying and selling an eBay creates a legally binding contract, enforcement of that contract is nearly impossible should one party decide for whatever reason to back out.

    Even if you took this to court and won a judgment, collecting on the judgment may prove impossible. >>



    Yes I do understand that.

    BUT

    A letter from a LAWYER couldn't hurt and it may get me MY COINS.
  • Options


    << <i>Not to fan the flames here but what you are asking a lawyer to do is to legally enable you to steal something from this seller. You know that the coin is worth well over the $300 you paid and several professional dealers have stated as much! The seller was obviously not aware of its value but now is.

    To try and force this seller into this transaction is just wrong, regardless of what circumstance ocurred. >>



    That is total BS. They had a valid contract.
  • This content has been removed.
  • Options
    RYKRYK Posts: 35,801 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The involvement of an attorney could easily cost you more than the purchase price and possibly more than any upside*. If you are the type of person that likes to throw money around to make a point, have at it.

    * I do not know what exactly is involved, but used the $300 final price as a starting point.
  • Options
    tradedollarnuttradedollarnut Posts: 20,764 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i> the lesson we can all gleam from this if I understand what happened here is, don't show a link of a coin that you won on ebay, instead show a link of a coin you received from an auction you won on ebay. Alerting all about a coin before it is in your possession has only brought problems for the so called ebay winner ie the so called ebay winner never ends up with the coin at the winning price......FACT! >>



    image
  • Options
    ctf_error_coinsctf_error_coins Posts: 15,433 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I was asking for help........................

    image
  • Options
    RYKRYK Posts: 35,801 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i> the lesson we can all gleam from this if I understand what happened here is, don't show a link of a coin that you won on ebay, instead show a link of a coin you received from an auction you won on ebay. Alerting all about a coin before it is in your possession has only brought problems for the so called ebay winner ie the so called ebay winner never ends up with the coin at the winning price......FACT! >>



    image >>



    I agree. In other words, keep your trap shut until the coins are in your own hand. image
  • Options


    << <i>

    << <i> the lesson we can all gleam from this if I understand what happened here is, don't show a link of a coin that you won on ebay, instead show a link of a coin you received from an auction you won on ebay. Alerting all about a coin before it is in your possession has only brought problems for the so called ebay winner ie the so called ebay winner never ends up with the coin at the winning price......FACT! >>



    image >>



    Amen!!
  • Options
    19Lyds19Lyds Posts: 26,523 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>how am I stealing?

    what an insane statement >>



    Simple, you want the seller to sell you a coin for $300 which you know to be worth thousands. The seller obviously does not want to do so and to force them into doing so over what you think is a "legal obligation because of eBay" (which obligation really does not exist) appears to me to be theft.

    Its no different than if I put something up for sale which I learn later is really worth a lot more than I realized and then decide not to sell it.

    Regardless of how the seller learned of this value, you really should not attempt to "force" them into completing the transaction just because you feel "wronged"!

    The seller does not want to sell the piece at that price for whatever reason.
    Get over it.

    And yes I understand your feelings of "betrayal" but there's not really much you can do about it excpet to simply get over it.

    I decided to change calling the bathroom the John and renamed it the Jim. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.



    The name is LEE!
  • Options
    ctf_error_coinsctf_error_coins Posts: 15,433 ✭✭✭✭✭
    FLAME ON

    thanks for the support

    image
  • Options
    dohdoh Posts: 6,457 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Someone contacted the seller and offered her more and she tried to cancel the already completed auction in which I paid in full. >>


    You state this as a fact. Do you have any proof?
    Positive BST transactions with: too many names to list! 36 at last count.
  • Options
    I'm no lawyer, and I did not stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

    So, avoiding the legal side, my question is:

    If you think someone on these boards ripped you off, do you think that posting on the boards that your attorney letter is really an empty threat is going to help resolve this in your favor?

    merse

  • Options
    tradedollarnuttradedollarnut Posts: 20,764 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>how am I stealing?

    what an insane statement >>



    Simple, you want the seller to sell you a coin for $300 which you know to be worth thousands. The seller obviously does not want to do so and to force them into doing so over what you think is a "legal obligation because of eBay" (which obligation really does not exist) appears to me to be theft.

    Its no different than if I put something up for sale which I learn later is really worth a lot more than I realized and then decide not to sell it.

    Regardless of how the seller learned of this value, you really should not attempt to "force" them into completing the transaction just because you feel "wronged"!

    The seller does not want to sell the piece at that price for whatever reason.
    Get over it.

    And yes I understand your feelings of "betrayal" but there's not really much you can do about it excpet to simply get over it. >>



    You are being quite harsh. If they don't want to sell it at that price, then they shouldn't have auctioned it. The OP's actions are nowhere near theft and to accuse him of such is outrageous.
  • Options
    PTVETTERPTVETTER Posts: 6,137 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I don't think all the information is comming forth.

    I don't think I would try to make my problem someone else's problem.

    If you feel that strongly hire an lawyer out of your pocket.
    Pat Vetter,Mercury Dime registry set,1938 Proof set registry,Pat & BJ Coins:724-325-7211


  • Options
    adamlaneusadamlaneus Posts: 6,969 ✭✭✭
    Doesn't Longacre handle these pro-bono threat letters for forum members all the time?
  • Options
    mikeygmikeyg Posts: 1,002 ✭




    Saddened to hear this chris.I know that you were overjoyed to have found these pieces and expected that you would have them when the auction is over.Going against the tide here i think that a deal is a deal and if someone on the forum went behind your back and contacted the seller to offer a sweeter deal they are lowlifes.JMHO.I wouldnt be shocked if that person contacts you to sell it for more money.

    Got no legal help for you but in the future dont discuss any great buys you find on the forum until the coins are in your hand.Most here are fellow collectors who would be happy to share your good fortune while a few others are looking to take what you find for the sake of a few dollars.Again JMHO
  • Options
    RYKRYK Posts: 35,801 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Doesn't Longacre handle these pro-bono threat letters for forum members all the time? >>



    Yes, he's written at least a dozen for me over the last couple years. image
  • Options
    If the coin is worth that much, pay a lawyer $500 to send a letter, it happens every day in many businesses. Otherwise take your lumps like everyone here has, learn from it, and get over it.
  • Options
    segojasegoja Posts: 6,141 ✭✭✭✭
    What is the coin really worth?

    Maybe a phone call to the seller providing them with more $$$ and still a good deal for the buyer would work better.

    If I was a seller and got your attorney letter, I'd tell you to pound sand and come sue me. The coin would disappear, and we'd say it was worth all of $300, since that's what it sold for. If you won, you'd get $300. If you lost, you'd pay my attorneys' fees. Not worht the effort and everyone knows it.

    Try the nice guy approach.
    JMSCoins Website Link


    Ike Specialist

    Finest Toned Ike I've Ever Seen, been looking since 1986

    image
  • Options
    GoldbullyGoldbully Posts: 18,562 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i> the lesson we can all gleam from this if I understand what happened here is, don't show a link of a coin that you won on ebay, instead show a link of a coin you received from an auction you won on ebay. Alerting all about a coin before it is in your possession has only brought problems for the so called ebay winner ie the so called ebay winner never ends up with the coin at the winning price......FACT! >>



    image >>



    Amen!! >>



    I'm sorry for your feelings about the forum folk perhaps ratting you out.
    I hope it works out for you.

    ksteel, what a cute granddaughter!!! image
  • Options
    dohdoh Posts: 6,457 ✭✭✭
    I agree with TDN, I don't think the OP is trying to "steal" the coin from the seller, but I do think the OP should just file a Paypal claim, get his money back, neg the seller and move on. Maybe the seller made an honest mistake with the too-low BIN or maybe they discovered the true value - through whatever channels - and decided a neg was worth it. Either way, it's time to chalk this up as lesson learned and move on.
    Positive BST transactions with: too many names to list! 36 at last count.
  • Options
    At some point in life we learn that there is no justice, maybe this is it for you. I sympathize with you EOC, but let this go, you will just make yourself crazy thinking about it.image

    There will be more coins.image
  • Options
    19Lyds19Lyds Posts: 26,523 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>how am I stealing?

    what an insane statement >>



    Simple, you want the seller to sell you a coin for $300 which you know to be worth thousands. The seller obviously does not want to do so and to force them into doing so over what you think is a "legal obligation because of eBay" (which obligation really does not exist) appears to me to be theft.

    Its no different than if I put something up for sale which I learn later is really worth a lot more than I realized and then decide not to sell it.

    Regardless of how the seller learned of this value, you really should not attempt to "force" them into completing the transaction just because you feel "wronged"!

    The seller does not want to sell the piece at that price for whatever reason.
    Get over it.

    And yes I understand your feelings of "betrayal" but there's not really much you can do about it excpet to simply get over it. >>



    You are being quite harsh. If they don't want to sell it at that price, then they shouldn't have auctioned it. The OP's actions are nowhere near theft and to accuse him of such is outrageous. >>



    Yes I am being quite harsh.

    The seller obviously didn't have a clue what he/she was selling but now knows its value for whatever reason and simply does not want to sell. To force that transaction to completion through legal means is just as silly as announcing that it had been won in the first place before ever receiving it out of fear that it was fake.

    Hey, maybe errorsoncoins will win an expensive judgment and the item will turn out to be a real fake?

    If it were me, I'd just let it go.

    I decided to change calling the bathroom the John and renamed it the Jim. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.



    The name is LEE!
  • Options


    << <i>ksteel, what a cute granddaughter!!! >>



    I agree wholeheartedly!!image
  • Options


    << <i>What is the coin really worth?

    Maybe a phone call to the seller providing them with more $$$ and still a good deal for the buyer would work better.

    If I was a seller and got your attorney letter, I'd tell you to pound sand and come sue me. The coin would disappear, and we'd say it was worth all of $300, since that's what it sold for. If you won, you'd get $300. If you lost, you'd pay my attorneys' fees. Not worht the effort and everyone knows it.

    Try the nice guy approach. >>


    According to this price guide, it's worth between $15000 to $20000... not bad for $300 in. And the piece does look to be real.

    http://minterrornews.com/priceguideoffmetal.html

    I wish the OP the best but I doubt he'll get the coin.

    Lesson learned, there are people out there that just love to ruin things for other people and will go out of their way to do so. That is just human nature. I doubt that the seller even got a better offer, I'd bet someone just out of ill will, mailed the seller and told them the real value and they opted out of the deal.

    At the least, I hope the OP gets his money back.

    Next time, remember, loose lips sink ships image
  • Options
    notwilightnotwilight Posts: 12,864 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>Doesn't Longacre handle these pro-bono threat letters for forum members all the time? >>

    Yes, he's written at least a dozen for me over the last couple years. image >>



    Me too, always with copious quotation of the international tax codes....
  • Options
    19Lyds19Lyds Posts: 26,523 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>What is the coin really worth?

    Maybe a phone call to the seller providing them with more $$$ and still a good deal for the buyer would work better.

    If I was a seller and got your attorney letter, I'd tell you to pound sand and come sue me. The coin would disappear, and we'd say it was worth all of $300, since that's what it sold for. If you won, you'd get $300. If you lost, you'd pay my attorneys' fees. Not worht the effort and everyone knows it.

    Try the nice guy approach. >>


    According to this price guide, it's worth between $15000 to $20000... not bad for $300 in. And the piece does look to be real.

    http://minterrornews.com/priceguideoffmetal.html

    I wish the OP the best but I doubt he'll get the coin.

    Lesson learned, there are people out there that just love to ruin things for other people and will go out of their way to do so. That is just human nature. I doubt that the seller even got a better offer, I'd bet someone just out of ill will, mailed the seller and told them the real value and they opted out of the deal.

    At the least, I hope the OP gets his money back.

    Next time, remember, loose lips sink ships image >>



    Wow. I had no idea the value was that high! I was think 5 maybe 6 grand but 10 to 20 grand! image
    I decided to change calling the bathroom the John and renamed it the Jim. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.



    The name is LEE!
  • Options
    You want to hire an attorney for a few hundred dollar coin. You want the attorney to work for free, and you have no real evidence. And you come whine about it on these boards? Is this a joke? You have got a lot to learn and have no business getting into any business let alone the coin business where integrity IS EVERYTHING.



    image
  • Options
    notwilightnotwilight Posts: 12,864 ✭✭✭
    Lee,
    The seller didn't make a pricing error. The value of error coins can vary quite a lot and is subject to discussion. Once the seller picked a reasonable price and the buyer accepted and formalized it on ebay, the seller is obligated to deliver. As a seller I would deliver. --Jerry
  • Options
    JustacommemanJustacommeman Posts: 22,852 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>ksteel, what a cute granddaughter!!! >>



    I agree wholeheartedly!!image >>



    she get's a green sticker Steeldude!

    To the OP I think you should reach out to the seller and try to work this out behind the scenes

    It may cost you more money, but it can still be a win win

    However, I don't think you have a shot at getting the coin via threats or for $300. The jig is up

    A lawyers letter will do no good especially if you really think somebody here ratted you out.

    That same rat will alert the seller to the rouse

    Don't threaten unless you plan to follow through.

    Good luck.....FYI you have photography spelled wrong in your Vibrant nature photography link me thinks : )
    Walker Proof Digital Album
    Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
  • Options
    droopyddroopyd Posts: 5,381 ✭✭✭


    << <i>A letter from a LAWYER couldn't hurt and it may get me MY COINS. >>



    Agreed, but I wouldn't bet the farm on it.
    Me at the Springfield coin show:
    image
    60 years into this hobby and I'm still working on my Lincoln set!
  • Options
    fcfc Posts: 12,805 ✭✭✭
    all i can say is that the coin hobby is an ocean that contains a lot of
    sharks.

    always keep your cards close and watch your back as this hobby
    revolves around money. no pun intended.

    this is a forum where the statement "greed is good" gets you pats
    on the back.
  • Options
    mkman123mkman123 Posts: 6,849 ✭✭✭✭
    dang I didn't think it was worth that much ! WOWZERS.

    Errorsoncoins, I did mention about the lawyer thing yesterday on your thread but I also mentioned perhaps sending the seller a email and offering the person more if thats what they want.

    I think as others have mentioned, a lawyer wouldn't do much, the seller could hide it and claim that it was lost, stolen, etc and noone would get anything and you'd be out on lawyer fees.

    I agree 19lyds might be harsh BUT there could be the possibility that someone sent a courtesy email to the seller telling her that the coin is worth 10-20k and maybe now she has second thoughts and doesn't want to sell. OR she may have been offered a private deal.

    I feel for you best of luck!
    Successful Buying and Selling transactions with:

    Many members on this forum that now it cannot fit in my signature. Please ask for entire list.
  • Options
    ctf_error_coinsctf_error_coins Posts: 15,433 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I just contacted a local contract lawyer and he is more than willing to go for this one for a reasonably fee

    I just thought someone here with a law degree and a passion for coins may want to help

  • Options
    coindeucecoindeuce Posts: 13,527 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Armen Vartian would probably have an opinion on this matter.

    "Everything is on its way to somewhere. Everything." - George Malley, Phenomenon
    http://www.american-legacy-coins.com

  • Options
    Mar327Mar327 Posts: 2,074 ✭✭
    Give it up man. Keep your dignity.
    Have bought and sold on BST, many references available when asked.
  • Options
    mkman123mkman123 Posts: 6,849 ✭✭✭✭
    keep us updated but you might not see the coin like others have said. The seller could claim she lost it, flushed it down the toilet on accident, etc. How would an attorney help you get the coin if she said something like that?

    PS. Once the seller refunds your money, what else can you do?
    Successful Buying and Selling transactions with:

    Many members on this forum that now it cannot fit in my signature. Please ask for entire list.
  • Options
    Batman23Batman23 Posts: 5,498 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Does Ebay have an avenue to help enforce their "binding contracts" such as this? A letter from Ebay to the seller explaining this contract might help.
  • Options
    mkman123mkman123 Posts: 6,849 ✭✭✭✭
    I think ebay could ban the seller but thats not going to do anything. The seller could easily now find a private collector for this error and sell it with no hassles.

    If the coin is worth lets say 15k, perhaps Erroroncoins could tell the seller that he could help her sell it and they split the difference. That way the seller gets more money and Erroroncoins still makes money. Any other way and he might be on the losing end of the stick.
    Successful Buying and Selling transactions with:

    Many members on this forum that now it cannot fit in my signature. Please ask for entire list.
  • Options
    I am starting a coin store and need some flips.

    PLEASE send me free flips.

    I think that anyone with flips and that post here as they must have a passion for coins should send me flips.

    I need flips as I am starting a coin store and don't want to spend money on accessories.

    P.S. if you have any show cases send those too!
  • Options
    tradedollarnuttradedollarnut Posts: 20,764 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I also think that you should just let it go, but it's too harsh to call you a thief if you don't.

    Put yourself in the seller's shoes - how would you feel in this situation? Is it really worth what you might receive in order to make a person feel that way?

    And yes, you brought this on yourself by starting your thread before you received the coins.
This discussion has been closed.