A Question of Etiquette

In the past few weeks, I've sent questions to Ebay sellers regarding the authenticity of the coins they're offering. I'm not doing this willy-nilly, but have run across some key date coins that appear in very nice shape, but have very lowball starting prices with BINS attached that suggest the coin isn't as nice as the pictures depict.
The coins I've questioned - a Morgan 1883-S, for instance - appear to be MS-63 or better, and due to the lack of this information in the aauction, it just struck me that I'd want some assurance from the seller that the coin is, in fact, authentic and genuine.
Is it impolite to ask? I've asked the seller twice now in 2 days, and still no response. Inclined to turn and run, most likely will, but for future similar circumstances, should I be asking the question differently? Or is it just something sellers consider insulting enough to ignore?
The coins I've questioned - a Morgan 1883-S, for instance - appear to be MS-63 or better, and due to the lack of this information in the aauction, it just struck me that I'd want some assurance from the seller that the coin is, in fact, authentic and genuine.
Is it impolite to ask? I've asked the seller twice now in 2 days, and still no response. Inclined to turn and run, most likely will, but for future similar circumstances, should I be asking the question differently? Or is it just something sellers consider insulting enough to ignore?
UBERCOINER
A Truth That's Told With Bad Intent
Beats All The Lies You Can Invent
A Truth That's Told With Bad Intent
Beats All The Lies You Can Invent
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Comments
With all the slabbed coins why would you ever risk buying something on E-Bay. For every raw coin that does well, 100's are shams.
You get what you pay for.
Ike Specialist
Finest Toned Ike I've Ever Seen, been looking since 1986
If you did ask politely, as I expect you did, then no-answer is likely an answer. --jerry
A Truth That's Told With Bad Intent
Beats All The Lies You Can Invent
I was under the impression that MS grades such as an MS63 had to be in an acceptable TPG service holder.
did that change?
<< <i>My guess is no response = over graded & over hyped and they do not want to box themselves in.
With all the slabbed coins why would you ever risk buying something on E-Bay. For every raw coin that does well, 100's are shams.
You get what you pay for. >>
What he said.
Please visit my website Millcitynumismatics.com
<< <i>I was under the impression that MS grades such as an MS63 had to be in an acceptable TPG service holder.
did that change? >>
The grade can't be written in the title (you can say BU, Choice Unc, etc.) but the opinion can be offered in the description. A price guide reference for any grade cannot be used.
This coin is circulated. Not MS at all.
bob
That is a fundamental question. If the coin is a copy and not marked as such the eBay listing is not worth the electricity it takes to run the computer.
It's not only polite to ask the question, it is essential that the seller answer the question truthfully. It's beyond etiquete; it's a matter of honesty and ethics.
you will be unhappy with the purchase.
unless you are an expert, get a pcgs or ngc graded coin.
So as a seller, I would never say anything other than "It sure seems authentic to me" -- and that sort of response doesn't help a buyer at all.
Try asking a question that could possibly get you a useful answer. "I plan on submitting this to [TPG]. I certainly am not asking you to guarantee a specific grade, but could I confirm that you would accept a return after [XX] days if [TPG] reports that this is not authentic or has questionable authenticity?"
AL
<< <i>Here's the 1883-S I inquired about... one of two from this seller, and both coins were slabbed the same... it looks nice, but seller has others too, and I wonder... >>
Run, Forrest Run!! That coin is AU, dipped to death, and likely hairlined. Also, any coin in a self-slabber holder like that is more likely than not to be a problem coin. Save yourself some time and avoid these "self slabbed" coins -- you are better off hunting raw coins.
<< <i>
<< <i>Here's the 1883-S I inquired about... one of two from this seller, and both coins were slabbed the same... it looks nice, but seller has others too, and I wonder... >>
Run, Forrest Run!! That coin is AU, dipped to death, and likely hairlined. Also, any coin in a self-slabber holder like that is more likely than not to be a problem coin. Save yourself some time and avoid these "self slabbed" coins -- you are better off hunting raw coins. >>
I've never considered (seriously, anyway) buying a coin slabbed other than by PCGS or NGC. While I've looked at others, and discounted any claim to a grade within the auction info., I'm pretty sure if it grades as high as a seller might suggest, why, then, didn't the seller choose a more credible company to slab it in the first place? When the Ah-HAH bell rings, that's when I start looking for other coins...
Jonathanb, I like your response. I think I'm gonna use that, if'n ya don't object...
A Truth That's Told With Bad Intent
Beats All The Lies You Can Invent
Nice people, though, to deal with.
I bought a ms66 peace. Sent it in. It came back au55. Looked amazing in pics