When does eBay's new counterfeit expert start?

CaptHenway · March 21, 2026 7:51AM

I will spot him or her this one. A 1931-S cent.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/287220097630?itmmeta=01KM8DS1DCESAH4BR61ZPE4FCX&hash=item42dfa6e25e:g:q24AAeSwHXlpvYds

RedRocket · March 21, 2026 8:06AM

April 1st?

BStrauss3 · March 21, 2026 8:15AM

Huh?

All we've seen is a job posting.

DesertCoin · March 21, 2026 11:59AM

The sooner the better

Smudge · March 21, 2026 1:49PM

Whoever it is will be busy.

Old_Collector · March 21, 2026 2:14PM

@CaptHenway said:
I will spot him or her this one. A 1931-S cent.

That's funny, I went to look at it critically, but I couldn't get past the missing collar on his shirt.
If I had the resources that the PRC has, I think that I could do a much better job running the scam mint system. Apparently, they can make money on cents without even trying hard, unlike our mint.

I feel even better about shorting EBay last week.

CaptHenway · March 21, 2026 2:34PM

See his other coins. He has one of those off-center 1922 No D cents from China.

mr1931S · March 21, 2026 3:58PM

Maybe it's big, like hockey puck size.

jmlanzaf · March 21, 2026 4:44PM

@Old_Collector said:

@CaptHenway said:
I will spot him or her this one. A 1931-S cent.

That's funny, I went to look at it critically, but I couldn't get past the missing collar on his shirt.
If I had the resources that the PRC has, I think that I could do a much better job running the scam mint system. Apparently, they can make money on cents without even trying hard, unlike our mint.

I feel even better about shorting EBay last week.

The counterfeits aren't made by the PRC. The counterfeits are made by independent contractors/businesses in the PRC. It's no different than a private Mint in the U.S.

CaptHenway · March 21, 2026 8:09PM

@jmlanzaf said:

@Old_Collector said:

@CaptHenway said:
I will spot him or her this one. A 1931-S cent.

That's funny, I went to look at it critically, but I couldn't get past the missing collar on his shirt.
If I had the resources that the PRC has, I think that I could do a much better job running the scam mint system. Apparently, they can make money on cents without even trying hard, unlike our mint.

I feel even better about shorting EBay last week.

The counterfeits aren't made by the PRC. The counterfeits are made by independent contractors/businesses in the PRC. It's no different than a private Mint in the U.S.

Not that we know of, and I suspect that if they were actually struck by the PRC the quality would be higher.

That said, I strongly suspect that they are struck with the tacit approval of the PRC. Hey, the money that they steal via fraud brings foreign exchange into the PRC, right?

Old_Collector · March 22, 2026 11:01AM

@CaptHenway said:

@jmlanzaf said:

@Old_Collector said:

@CaptHenway said:
I will spot him or her this one. A 1931-S cent.

That's funny, I went to look at it critically, but I couldn't get past the missing collar on his shirt.
If I had the resources that the PRC has, I think that I could do a much better job running the scam mint system. Apparently, they can make money on cents without even trying hard, unlike our mint.

I feel even better about shorting EBay last week.

The counterfeits aren't made by the PRC. The counterfeits are made by independent contractors/businesses in the PRC. It's no different than a private Mint in the U.S.

Not that we know of, and I suspect that if they were actually struck by the PRC the quality would be higher.

That said, I strongly suspect that they are struck with the tacit approval of the PRC. Hey, the money that they steal via fraud brings foreign exchange into the PRC, right?

In the PRC, if you are doing something without at least tacit approval and paying off local officials you very well could be imprisoned or worse -- so they are free to operate and obtain the best talent in the country for their work, Odd that they don't really seem to do that though. The same is true with manufacturing fentanyl precursors, it isn't the government but they certainly are aware and allow it.

The last government involvement that I am aware of was when North Korea was manufacturing the old $100 bill and making hundreds of millions a year as Benjamins are used worldwide. That pretty much ended with the new bills, but there are very likely still some of those counterfeits around the world.

mr1931S · March 22, 2026 11:19AM

Why do these modern day LC counterfeits all have a giant 'S' mintmark that absolutely screams it's fakeness?

mr1931S · March 22, 2026 1:52PM

It occurs to me, however, that there is a very specific reason the mint mark is way over size on these counterfeits posing as genuine. Needless to say there is no word, COPY, to been seen anywhere on the piece.

"oh, well you should have known it was not real when you saw the size of it's mintmark clearly shown numerous times in the pictures."

What is one's defense to ^that^ I ask. I know there's a few lawyers hang around here. What you think?

ajaan · March 22, 2026 1:55PM

When does eBay's new counterfeit expert start?

in the year 2525 . . .

mr1931S · March 22, 2026 2:25PM

@ajaan said:
When does eBay's new counterfeit expert start?

in the year 2525 . . .

I've kinda been looking at applying for this job. And 2025 is already gone by. That's water under the bridge. I do have some work requirements that I'm non-negotional on, however.

Old_Collector · March 23, 2026 8:41AM

@CaptHenway said:
I will spot him or her this one. A 1931-S cent.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/287220097630?itmmeta=01KM8DS1DCESAH4BR61ZPE4FCX&hash=item42dfa6e25e:g:q24AAeSwHXlpvYds

So EBay told me that one was just fine when I reported it.
What a waste of time, I'll not bother again.

MetroD · March 23, 2026 9:01AM

@Old_Collector said:
So EBay told me that one was just fine when I reported it.
What a waste of time, I'll not bother again.

I am not defending it, but it has been my experience that it often takes multiple reports on the same item before it gets removed.

CaptHenway · March 23, 2026 9:53AM

@MetroD said:

@Old_Collector said:
So EBay told me that one was just fine when I reported it.
What a waste of time, I'll not bother again.

I am not defending it, but it has been my experience that it often takes multiple reports on the same item before it gets removed.

Sadly, this seems to be the case.

jmlanzaf · March 23, 2026 2:28PM

@CaptHenway said:

@jmlanzaf said:

@Old_Collector said:

@CaptHenway said:
I will spot him or her this one. A 1931-S cent.

That's funny, I went to look at it critically, but I couldn't get past the missing collar on his shirt.
If I had the resources that the PRC has, I think that I could do a much better job running the scam mint system. Apparently, they can make money on cents without even trying hard, unlike our mint.

I feel even better about shorting EBay last week.

The counterfeits aren't made by the PRC. The counterfeits are made by independent contractors/businesses in the PRC. It's no different than a private Mint in the U.S.

Not that we know of, and I suspect that if they were actually struck by the PRC the quality would be higher.

That said, I strongly suspect that they are struck with the tacit approval of the PRC. Hey, the money that they steal via fraud brings foreign exchange into the PRC, right?

There's no doubt they turn a blind eye to it. The sellers are openly selling on Alibaba.

jmlanzaf · March 23, 2026 2:29PM

@mr1931S said:

@ajaan said:
When does eBay's new counterfeit expert start?

in the year 2525 . . .

I've kinda been looking at applying for this job. And 2025 is already gone by. That's water under the bridge. I do have some work requirements that I'm non-negotional on, however.

He said 2525 not 2025.

MasonG · March 23, 2026 2:56PM

@jmlanzaf said:

@CaptHenway said:

@jmlanzaf said:

@Old_Collector said:

@CaptHenway said:
I will spot him or her this one. A 1931-S cent.

That's funny, I went to look at it critically, but I couldn't get past the missing collar on his shirt.
If I had the resources that the PRC has, I think that I could do a much better job running the scam mint system. Apparently, they can make money on cents without even trying hard, unlike our mint.

I feel even better about shorting EBay last week.

The counterfeits aren't made by the PRC. The counterfeits are made by independent contractors/businesses in the PRC. It's no different than a private Mint in the U.S.

Not that we know of, and I suspect that if they were actually struck by the PRC the quality would be higher.

That said, I strongly suspect that they are struck with the tacit approval of the PRC. Hey, the money that they steal via fraud brings foreign exchange into the PRC, right?

There's no doubt they turn a blind eye to it. The sellers are openly selling on Alibaba.

It's my understanding that it's not illegal in China to produce this stuff, so there'd be no reason for the government there to care one way or the other.

jmlanzaf · March 23, 2026 2:57PM

@MasonG said:

@jmlanzaf said:

@CaptHenway said:

@jmlanzaf said:

@Old_Collector said:

@CaptHenway said:
I will spot him or her this one. A 1931-S cent.

That's funny, I went to look at it critically, but I couldn't get past the missing collar on his shirt.
If I had the resources that the PRC has, I think that I could do a much better job running the scam mint system. Apparently, they can make money on cents without even trying hard, unlike our mint.

I feel even better about shorting EBay last week.

The counterfeits aren't made by the PRC. The counterfeits are made by independent contractors/businesses in the PRC. It's no different than a private Mint in the U.S.

Not that we know of, and I suspect that if they were actually struck by the PRC the quality would be higher.

That said, I strongly suspect that they are struck with the tacit approval of the PRC. Hey, the money that they steal via fraud brings foreign exchange into the PRC, right?

There's no doubt they turn a blind eye to it. The sellers are openly selling on Alibaba.

It's my understanding that it's not illegal in China to produce this stuff, so there'd be no reason for the government there to care one way or the other.

Yes and no. They aren't legally bound to do so within their own country. However, you'd think they'd want good relations with trading partners...or not.

MsMorrisine · March 23, 2026 3:04PM

there is a sticky at the top of the forum that sets out the new steps to report counterfeits

MsMorrisine · March 23, 2026 4:19PM

reported op coin using new methods. if it gets nuked, will report others

jacrispies · March 24, 2026 12:03PM

@ajaan said:
When does eBay's new counterfeit expert start?

in the year 2525 . . .

In the year 7510...

if the expert is coming, he ought to make it by then.
Maybe he'll take a look around at eBay
and think it's time to do what the experts say.

mr1931S · March 24, 2026 1:54PM

@jacrispies said:

@ajaan said:
When does eBay's new counterfeit expert start?

in the year 2525 . . .

In the year 7510...

if the expert is coming, he ought to make it by then.
Maybe he'll take a look around at eBay
and think it's time to do what the experts say.

I fear that the working conditions I would need in place are not going to cut it with them.

ajaan · March 24, 2026 2:07PM

@jacrispies said:

@ajaan said:
When does eBay's new counterfeit expert start?

in the year 2525 . . .

In the year 7510...

if the expert is coming, he ought to make it by then.
Maybe he'll take a look around at eBay
and think it's time to do what the experts say.

Rick Evans would be pleased.

Namvet69 · March 24, 2026 2:46PM

Knowing the depth and breadth of this challenge, I just don't think this job can be done effectively by one person. Yeah they're be support staff but maybe he'll have an account "nuke'em" button to get results. We shall see. Peace Roy

golden · March 24, 2026 4:49PM

Don't hold your breath!

MsMorrisine · March 24, 2026 4:55PM

tried the op and 22 and denied on both

johnny9434 · March 25, 2026 1:58AM

@MsMorrisine said:
tried the op and 22 and denied on both

More then likely its done with or poof its gone. 🙂
(It was there earlier)

Mr Lindy · March 26, 2026 11:23AM

Something bogus here ? Die detail seems a bit odd to me.

If bad, then I have never seen a counterfeit die struck off center Kennedy clad or clad like.

Theres a bunch of 90% silver ones that Lonesome John wrote a book about decades ago.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/137044561845?

Old_Collector · March 26, 2026 11:46AM

I'll take the job if I can work from home.
I'll just post everything here and then the consensus opinion will become the official standard at EBay.
Works for me, just sort of a photo conduit.

edit: and the most prolific responders will get a cut of the cash!

RedRocket · March 26, 2026 12:44PM

@ajaan said:

@jacrispies said:

@ajaan said:
When does eBay's new counterfeit expert start?

in the year 2525 . . .

In the year 7510...

if the expert is coming, he ought to make it by then.
Maybe he'll take a look around at eBay
and think it's time to do what the experts say.

Rick Evans would be pleased.

Red agrees, other than Rick Evans passed away in early 2018.

Perhaps, "Rick Evans would have been pleased" is more apropos.

Believing Small Details Count,
Red R.

MsMorrisine · March 26, 2026 3:06PM

@Mr Lindy said:
Something bogus here ? Die detail seems a bit odd to me.

If bad, then I have never seen a counterfeit die struck off center Kennedy clad or clad like.

Theres a bunch of 90% silver ones that Lonesome John wrote a book about decades ago.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/137044561845?

everything gets counterfeited. i've seen common date lincolns counterfeited

unsure on the half. hair looks wrong. the things is the mint has made many changes to the hair detail over the years

mr1931S · March 26, 2026 3:53PM

I would automatically disallow the so-called error Kennedy from being sold on ebay (my new boss ) because it's not certified by one of the ebay approved TPGs. No cert, no sell on ebay for pieces like this would be my policy.

MasonG · March 26, 2026 4:16PM

If you depend on TPG certification to identify counterfeits, you're not a counterfeit expert.

IkesT · March 26, 2026 4:33PM

@Old_Collector said:
I'll take the job if I can work from home.
I'll just post everything here and then the consensus opinion will become the official standard at EBay.
Works for me, just sort of a photo conduit.

edit: and the most prolific responders will get a cut of the cash!

You're hired!

IkesT · March 26, 2026 4:33PM

@mr1931S said:
I would automatically disallow the so-called error Kennedy from being sold on ebay (my new boss ) because it's not certified by one of the ebay approved TPGs. No cert, no sell on ebay for pieces like this would be my policy.

The position has been filled.

mr1931S · March 26, 2026 5:37PM

@MasonG said:
If you depend on TPG certification to identify counterfeits, you're not a counterfeit expert.

Nobody can identify whether this Kennedy error is counterfeit or not from photos. Policies need to be in place that protect the consumer. Get the blasted thing certified would be my policy for this one.

mr1931S · March 26, 2026 5:42PM

@IkesT said:

@mr1931S said:
I would automatically disallow the so-called error Kennedy from being sold on ebay (my new boss ) because it's not certified by one of the ebay approved TPGs. No cert, no sell on ebay for pieces like this would be my policy.

The position has been filled.

I'm happy for whoever it is. Even happier that it ain't me all things considered.

Acarroll · March 26, 2026 5:53PM

I think eBay is going to start putting some serious effort into removing counterfeits from their platform the second Tuesday of next week.

oldglorycoins · March 26, 2026 6:06PM

@Acarroll said:
I think eBay is going to start putting some serious effort into removing counterfeits from their platform the second Tuesday of next week.

Why?

MasonG · March 26, 2026 6:14PM

...> @mr1931S said:

@MasonG said:
If you depend on TPG certification to identify counterfeits, you're not a counterfeit expert.

Nobody can identify whether this Kennedy error is counterfeit or not from photos. Policies need to be in place that protect the consumer. Get the blasted thing certified would be my policy for this one.

"Get it slabbed" policy? eBay doesn't need a counterfeit expert for that.

mr1931S · March 26, 2026 7:56PM

@MasonG said:
...> @mr1931S said:

@MasonG said:
If you depend on TPG certification to identify counterfeits, you're not a counterfeit expert.

Nobody can identify whether this Kennedy error is counterfeit or not from photos. Policies need to be in place that protect the consumer. Get the blasted thing certified would be my policy for this one.

"Get it slabbed" policy? eBay doesn't need a counterfeit expert for that.

Many counterfeits that pop up on ebay can be easily identified as such by a counterfeit expert. That's why I initially wanted the job. Easy money. The Kennedy error not so easy to identify as counterfeit or not. Seller gets it certified everyone should be happy except for you. Do you have a better solution than I have offered? If so, let's hear it.

IkesT · March 26, 2026 8:32PM

@mr1931S said:

@MasonG said:
...> @mr1931S said:

@MasonG said:
If you depend on TPG certification to identify counterfeits, you're not a counterfeit expert.

Nobody can identify whether this Kennedy error is counterfeit or not from photos. Policies need to be in place that protect the consumer. Get the blasted thing certified would be my policy for this one.

"Get it slabbed" policy? eBay doesn't need a counterfeit expert for that.

Many counterfeits that pop up on ebay can be easily identified as such by a counterfeit expert. That's why I initially wanted the job. Easy money. The Kennedy error not so easy to identify as counterfeit or not. Seller gets it certified everyone should be happy except for you. Do you have a better solution than I have offered? If so, let's hear it.

Although you were unanimously and enthusiastically rejected for the position, the hiring committee was amused by your charming lack of qualifications. They were particularly touched by your résumé written in crayon. Therefore, they have awarded you a special participation medal, which they hope you will cherish during your twilight years:

MasonG · March 26, 2026 8:43PM

@mr1931S said:
Many counterfeits that pop up on ebay can be easily identified as such by a counterfeit expert. That's why I initially wanted the job. Easy money.

Why should eBay pay you when they can have the TPGs do the job for free?

@mr1931S said:
The Kennedy error not so easy to identify as counterfeit or not.

See? If you can't handle the hard cases, why do you think eBay would need you?

Old_Collector · March 26, 2026 8:50PM

@MasonG said:
If you depend on TPG certification to identify counterfeits, you're not a counterfeit expert.

Maybe they will have an expert in counterfeit TPG certifications. But we know that never happens.

Acarroll · March 27, 2026 6:28AM

@oldglorycoins said:

@Acarroll said:
I think eBay is going to start putting some serious effort into removing counterfeits from their platform the second Tuesday of next week.

Why?

Why what? Why the second Tuesday of next week? Because that's how much faith I have in the people running eBay.

When does eBay's new counterfeit expert start?

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