There may be no such thing as a stupid question, but on eBay...

airplanenut · July 23, 2026 12:54PM

This question came in on a circulated bust half and I'm trying to decide how to reply. I don't have a problem with the question, but boy, that second part really has me questioning if this is someone I should trust or want to deal with...

"This is a real U.S currency coin correct? Cause I just had to cancel a bid Cause its a novelty coin,I was wondering why its not $10k by now, thers only 14 in world! King of coins 1804"

CaptHenway · July 23, 2026 12:56PM

Run, do not walk, to the nearest exit.

lkenefic · July 23, 2026 12:58PM

Yikes... is there a way to block this person before they bid, or just pray they don't win...

RedRocket · July 23, 2026 1:00PM

On a side note, that 1876 engraved half dollar you are offering is off the charts cool!
Related to your question: I'd follow through with a thoughtful answer and see what his follow-up response is and then decide how to proceed.

johnny9434 · July 23, 2026 1:08PM

No way run

TomB · July 23, 2026 1:54PM

This appears to be something where I would answer politely and then walk away from entirely.

messydesk · July 23, 2026 2:39PM

No such thing as a stupid question, but there are inquisitive idiots.

Dave99B · July 23, 2026 2:53PM

Yikes. I think you know all you need to know.

Dave

Smudge · July 23, 2026 3:38PM

@airplanenut said:
This question came in on a circulated bust half and I'm trying to decide how to reply. I don't have a problem with the question, but boy, that second part really has me questioning if this is someone I should trust or want to deal with...

"This is a real U.S currency coin correct? Cause I just had to cancel a bid Cause its a novelty coin,I was wondering why its not $10k by now, thers only 14 in world! King of coins 1804"

Bet that took a while to get through spell check.

lkenefic · July 23, 2026 4:02PM

I realize there's a level of Customer Service and professionalism that needs to be maintained in situations like this... which is why I'm quite happy and satisfied to be on the collector side. There's no way I could suffer that level of idiocy on a daily basis...

Old_Collector · July 23, 2026 4:15PM

@CaptHenway said:
Run, do not walk, to the nearest exit.

And don't forget to block that bidder to save your sanity.

Old_Collector · July 23, 2026 4:21PM

@airplanenut said:
This question came in on a circulated bust half and I'm trying to decide how to reply. I don't have a problem with the question, but boy, that second part really has me questioning if this is someone I should trust or want to deal with...

"This is a real U.S currency coin correct? Cause I just had to cancel a bid Cause its a novelty coin,I was wondering why its not $10k by now, thers only 14 in world! King of coins 1804"

Just curious, was the half even dated 1804? Or did he miss that part too?

airplanenut · July 23, 2026 4:45PM

@Old_Collector said:

@airplanenut said:
This question came in on a circulated bust half and I'm trying to decide how to reply. I don't have a problem with the question, but boy, that second part really has me questioning if this is someone I should trust or want to deal with...

"This is a real U.S currency coin correct? Cause I just had to cancel a bid Cause its a novelty coin,I was wondering why its not $10k by now, thers only 14 in world! King of coins 1804"

Just curious, was the half even dated 1804? Or did he miss that part too?

Well if it were an 1804, it would be counterfeit since they didn't make those, but not only is it not an 1804, it's also a capped bust, not a draped bust.

MsMorrisine · July 23, 2026 5:03PM

you'll have to block. the person doesn't know what is offered or, as evidenced by the cancellation, what is attempted to buy

Old_Collector · July 23, 2026 5:36PM

@airplanenut said:

@Old_Collector said:

@airplanenut said:
This question came in on a circulated bust half and I'm trying to decide how to reply. I don't have a problem with the question, but boy, that second part really has me questioning if this is someone I should trust or want to deal with...

"This is a real U.S currency coin correct? Cause I just had to cancel a bid Cause its a novelty coin,I was wondering why its not $10k by now, thers only 14 in world! King of coins 1804"

Just curious, was the half even dated 1804? Or did he miss that part too?

Well if it were an 1804, it would be counterfeit since they didn't make those, but not only is it not an 1804, it's also a capped bust, not a draped bust.

I would have been surprised if it was.

Sapyx · July 23, 2026 5:52PM

It sounds like they'd just been burned - or almost-burned - when bidding on some other seller's fake 1804 dollar that they didn't realise was fake when they bid, and decided to come to you and complain about it. Rather than, you know, complain to eBay about it. Or complain to that seller about it.

I'm sure every brick-and-mortar shop owner has stories about "customers" who come into their store and complain about how other stores ripped them off. What's happened to you is merely the eBay equivalent.

logger7 · July 23, 2026 5:56PM

If that's the worst problem you had on ebay this week, you're doing better than most.

airplanenut · July 23, 2026 6:11PM

@Sapyx said:
It sounds like they'd just been burned - or almost-burned - when bidding on some other seller's fake 1804 dollar that they didn't realise was fake when they bid, and decided to come to you and complain about it. Rather than, you know, complain to eBay about it. Or complain to that seller about it.

I'm sure every brick-and-mortar shop owner has stories about "customers" who come into their store and complain about how other stores ripped them off. What's happened to you is merely the eBay equivalent.

I agree with that, but it's one thing when you're burned on something that at least could be real, and something entirely different when... no duh it wasn't real. "I couldn't understand why this million-dollar coin wasn't at 10 grand so I realized it was fake!")

airplanenut · July 23, 2026 6:13PM

@logger7 said:
If that's the worst problem you had on ebay this week, you're doing better than most.

The week isn't over yet > @lkenefic said:

I realize there's a level of Customer Service and professionalism that needs to be maintained in situations like this... which is why I'm quite happy and satisfied to be on the collector side. There's no way I could suffer that level of idiocy on a daily basis...

I hope all my consignors know what a valuable service I'm providing beyond just selling coins

@RedRocket said:
On a side note, that 1876 engraved half dollar you are offering is off the charts cool!

Apart from when I stabbed myself on the pin, it's super awesome. Really, really well done.

Related to your question: I'd follow through with a thoughtful answer and see what his follow-up response is and then decide how to proceed.

I'm not sure if he'll respond, but lest I forget while waiting for him, he got a quick (polite) reply telling him my coins are all genuine, and admission to my illustrious block list.

Old_Collector · July 23, 2026 6:23PM

OMG, going through that pain on consignments on EBay, you are eligible for some kind of sainthood or perhaps a royal title.

I dislike selling my replacement coins, and the mint or proof coins that I don't collect when I tear open a set or two.

Old_Collector · July 23, 2026 6:25PM

@Sapyx said:
It sounds like they'd just been burned - or almost-burned - when bidding on some other seller's fake 1804 dollar that they didn't realise was fake when they bid, and decided to come to you and complain about it. Rather than, you know, complain to eBay about it. Or complain to that seller about it.

I'm sure every brick-and-mortar shop owner has stories about "customers" who come into their store and complain about how other stores ripped them off. What's happened to you is merely the eBay equivalent.

Now that's funny, somebody who would expect to see an 1804 dollar on EBay.