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Anybody else notice ebay search is not working correctly?

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    jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 42,344 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @alaura22 said:

    @jmlanzaf said:
    Search the following (with the quotation marks": "1979" "jefferson" "PCGS"

    It will return only coins that are 1979 Jefferson nickels in PCGS holders.

    If you add a grade in quotation marks, it will only return the coins that also have that grade.

    "1979" "jefferson" "PCGS" "66"

    Returns only 4 coins

    Sometimes, yelling isn't the best way to solve a problem.

    Do I also have to be standing on one leg and have one hand behide my back and maybe have my shoes off???
    It used be be very simple and now it's not

    It is very simple, it's just different.

    And this was ALWAYS the case, even with the filters. The filters were at the mercy of how a seller listed a coin.

    Don't feel badly, I have a hard time getting my students to do more specific searches also.

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

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    jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 42,344 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @alaura22 said:
    It really doesn't matter anymore, I will not be using ebay until they change it
    What really gets me is how some of these people will defend ebay to the end even if it's a bad idea
    I'm done

    We tried to help.

    Sometimes, it's not "good" or "bad", it's just "different".

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

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    MasonGMasonG Posts: 7,323 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @jmlanzaf said:
    If you add a grade in quotation marks, it will only return the coins that also have that grade.

    "1979" "jefferson" "PCGS" "66"

    Returns only 4 coins

    Two of them are Denver issues, so some people will still say the search is broken. If you add "-d" at the end of your search...

    "1979" "jefferson" "PCGS" "66" -d

    You only get the two P mint coins.

  • Options
    AdamLAdamL Posts: 210 ✭✭✭✭
    edited August 12, 2026 8:46AM

    .

  • Options
    MsMorrisineMsMorrisine Posts: 39,728 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @alaura22 said:
    Ok, so I just did a search
    1979-P Nickel PCGS MS-66 and I got 61 matches which DON'T Match my search
    here

    doing -P will exclude listings with P if you leave off the "-" in the search that will help

    and... now that search has jogged my memory, i've encountered this problem looking for counterfeits 1928 peace dollar turns up non-1928 coins. this should not be required, but put everything in quotes and it will be less likely to return junk.... except the useless "Sponsored" junk

    https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw="1979"+-d+-s+"Nickel"+"PCGS"+"MS"+"66"&_sacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&LH_TitleDesc=0&_odkw=1979-P+Nickel+PCGS+MS-66&_osacat=0

    Current maintainer of Stone's Master List of Favorite Websites // My BST transactions
  • Options
    MsMorrisineMsMorrisine Posts: 39,728 ✭✭✭✭✭

    you shouldn't have to use "Nickel" to keep from getting dimes. this ain't right

    Current maintainer of Stone's Master List of Favorite Websites // My BST transactions
  • Options
    jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 42,344 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @MasonG said:

    @jmlanzaf said:
    If you add a grade in quotation marks, it will only return the coins that also have that grade.

    "1979" "jefferson" "PCGS" "66"

    Returns only 4 coins

    Two of them are Denver issues, so some people will still say the search is broken. If you add "-d" at the end of your search...

    "1979" "jefferson" "PCGS" "66" -d

    You only get the two P mint coins.

    I wasn't trying to restrict it to P. But, yes, exclusions also work. With only 4 coins, I didn't feel the need to exclude anything. Lol

    You can also use Google search if you don't like ebay search.

    There are ways. But everyone hates change.

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

  • Options
    jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 42,344 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited August 12, 2026 10:27AM

    @MsMorrisine said:
    you shouldn't have to use "Nickel" to keep from getting dimes. this ain't right

    You don't, if you use "Jefferson". But you can't just say "1979" and exclude anything.

    You could also restrict the category, of course, if you like. Then you don't need either "Jefferson" or "nickel". You are, however, at the mercy of the seller's listing quality.

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

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    MsMorrisineMsMorrisine Posts: 39,728 ✭✭✭✭✭
  • Options
    jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 42,344 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Again, if your search is set to "any" of the words, it won't narrow the search enough. Use quotation marks or change the search settings to "all" or "exact"

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

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    braddickbraddick Posts: 25,150 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I used to enjoy searching for PO1 PCGS Ikes and Kennedys for PCGS Lowball Registries, and also searching for AU Eisenhower's for my NGC and PCGS Everyman Registries. Now that search is difficult.

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    DarkSideVAMsDarkSideVAMs Posts: 14 ✭✭
    edited August 12, 2026 1:47PM

    The more searches I tried, the more this seemed like something beyond simply dumbing down the interface. I had some time to research the updates, and I don’t see “breaking the search filters” listed in any development blog posts. Despite what some of you may think, I don’t believe this was an enhancement or even intentional on eBay’s part. It smells of a poorly executed migration and update. I believe they’ll fix the filters at some point. After all, the stated purpose was to “replace free-text condition descriptions and introduce consistent inputs across all listing flows”.

    https://developer.ebay.com/updates/blog/coins-condition-requirements

  • Options
    MsMorrisineMsMorrisine Posts: 39,728 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @DarkSideVAMs said:
    The more searches I tried, the more this seemed like something beyond simply dumbing down the interface. I had some time to research the updates, and I don’t see “breaking the search filters” listed in any development blog posts. Despite what some of you may think, I don’t believe this was an enhancement or even intentional on eBay’s part. It smells of a poorly executed migration and update. I believe they’ll fix the filters at some point. After all, the stated purpose was to “replace free-text condition descriptions and introduce consistent inputs across all listing flows”.

    https://developer.ebay.com/updates/blog/coins-condition-requirements

    itwould be funny if it weren't so sad

    they are so out of touch that they think condition settings will be used reliably?

    "sell one like this" yields some lazy listing creations from unrelated listings.

    this goes way back when the thing to do was to search outside just the specific category to find misplaced items. they are apparently so out of touch that they think things aren't still misplaced?

    no matter what, it will always be best to search using "free text"

    Current maintainer of Stone's Master List of Favorite Websites // My BST transactions
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    mustangmanbobmustangmanbob Posts: 1,916 ✭✭✭✭✭

    2 other problems you might check.

    1) In some of the fields, people will put literally hundreds of related unrelated words to get their items to show up. It might list all coin denominations, all coin grades, all coin names, all grading companies, on and on. I normally just x those sellers out of my searches in the advance search tab.

    2) White listing. Similar to above, but in the main description, or sometime elsewhere, hundreds of words in a white font. You don't see the words but your search finds them an you get peeeved. Short of periodically having a color reset on the computer to make them stand out, or copying seeminly blank areas, pasting them into Word and changing font color, it is hard to pick up. Again, I just block those people in my searches.

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    mustangmanbobmustangmanbob Posts: 1,916 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Here is one to the worst key word spammers. I know it is not coins, but I was just looking for a shock absorber for a 1968 Fairlane. With all these words, he shows up on almost anything.

    Imagine if all of these were in white font. You would no idea what is going on, and blame ebay for a jacked up search engine.

    Manufacturer Part Number
    1910,1911,1912,1913,1914,1915,1916,1917,1918,1919,, 1920,1921,1922,1923,1924,1925,1926,1927,1928,1929, 1930,1931,1932,1933,1934,1935,1936,1937,1938,1939,, 1940,1941,1942,1943,1944,1945,1946,1947,1948,1949,, 1950,1951,1952,1953,1954,1955,1956,1957,1958,1959,, 1960,1961,1962,1963,1964,1965,1966,1967,1968,1969, 1970,1971,1972,1973,1974,1975,1976,1977,1978,1979, 2WD, 4WD, Square Body, Pilot House, OBS, Cab,, 3/4, 1, Ton, Crew, Standard, Short, Long, Box ,, Bomba, Lowrider, Truck, Fleetside, Stepside, 1/2,, Bucket, Park, Blinker, Turn Signal, Antenna, Rim, Car, Coupe, Sedan, Convertible, Roadster, Delivery, Chrome, Die-Cast, Lamp, Light, Bezel, Housing,, Grille, Quarter, Sheet Metal Panel, Stainless,, Hood, Fender, Door, Trunk, Deck, Lid, Bumper,Grill, Hubcap, Wheel Cover, White Wall, Bias Ply, Jack, Rally, 5, 6, 8, Lug, Mag, Magnesium, Spoke, Wire, Station Wagon, Hardtop, Sedanette, Rag Top, Sled,, Steel Wheel, Riveted, Artillery, 14", 15", 16", Windshield, Glass, Vent, Cowl, Molding, Trim
    Material
    Igniter Juice Power Brakes Jug Long Short Block, Locker Lakes Leadsled Knock-Off Louvers Lowboy, Nail Head Mouse Pancaked Post Pony Car, Pro Street Puffer RPM Restored Rockcrusher Rod, Rocket Roll Pan Running Board Scallop Scoop Shave, Section Sleeper Slingshot Slushbox Smoothy, Split Window Steelies Stovebolt TPI Survivor, Track T Tranny Tri Five Tri-Power Tubbed Tuck Roll, Turnkey Victoria Vicky Vintage VIN, owboy Mag Matching Numbers Merc Moons Mopar, service lamps warning holder head tail kit tool
    Superseded Part Number
    221 239 255 337 215 223 262 Flathead, 348 409 302 402 L65 L78 L72 L88 ZL1 LS6 331 352, 392 273 315 318 325 340 383 440 426 Hemi Mopar, AMC Buick Cadillac Chevrolet Chrysler Dodge Ford, Axle, Posi, Carrier, Open, Rear End, Exhaust, Pipe, Durant Elgin Franklin Gardner LaSalle Paige, Fargo Hudson Auburn Cord Graham Hupmobile Nash, Fender Skirts Grille Visor Bumper Guard Wing, Ignition, Cap, Points, Brush Set, Bracket, Choke, L6 Inline Project Straight 8 Cylinder Assembly, Lafayette Lincoln Mercury Olds Oldsmobile Chevy, Old School Pre-War Touring Open Closed Cab, Packard Pierce Arrow Pontiac REO Studebaker Star, Restoration Hardware Rebuild Poly Restore, Terraplane Henry J Rambler Chandler Dodge Brothers, Traditional Period Correct AACA Car Club Cruise, Vintage Original Patina Rat Rod Hot Rod Driver, Vintage, Accessory, RPO, Yenko, COPO, Washer Jar, Voltage Regulator, Coil, Rotor, Hub, Willys BBC SBC 216 235 265 283 327 350 396 427 454
    Vintage Part
    Yes
    Placement on Vehicle
    Assembly Cruise Control Telescopic Rim Wheel, CB Radio Diamond T White Mack IHC GMC, Dealer Installed Bolt-On Add-On Option Compass, Display Advertising Sign Gas Oil Ornament, Dome Garnish Radio AM/FM 8 Track Cassette, Emblem Badge Cowl Tag Vin Body Style Code, Engine Transmission Big Small Block BBC SBC, Fender Hood Trunk Deck Lid Quarter Panel Patch, Ignition Distributor Coil Plug Points Contact Set, Interior Exterior Dash Seats Instrument Gauges, Job Resale Lot Collection Group Large Rare TROG, Mascot Car Club Cruise Accessory Part Mechanism, Model A B T Master Special Deluxe Special Century, Rim Blow Wood Grain Spoke Tilt Steering Wheel, Spotlight Keychain Spinner Knob Seat Cover, Steering Wheel Dashboard Glove Box Pad Headliner, Tach Speedometer Oil Temperature Fuel Gas, Targa Rumble Seat Barn Find Lacquer 94 97, Wheel Hubcap Grill Molding Trim Stainless Rocker, wheel rim steering column interior exterior
    Brand
    GM
    Type
    Accessory Rare Factory Option Interior Exterior
    Interchange Part Number
    8-Track, Cassette, Speaker, 3rd Row, Jump, Tilt, Assembly, Gas, Fuel, Cap, Radiator, Hose, Core, Bellhousing, Water Neck, Flex Plate, Fuel, Water, Bolt, Clip, Washer, Shim, Hardware, Restoration,, Carburetor, 1, 2, 4 Barrel, 1BBL, 2BBL, 4BBL, Cluster, Mirror, Glove Box, Seatbelt, Armrest, Column, Console, Shifter, 3, 4, Speed, Automatic, Cover, Tappet, Spring, Oval Port, Hi-Po, V8, Dome Light, Door Panel, Carpet, Floor Mat, Engine, Motor, Head, Intake, Exhaust, Manifold, Flathead, Inline, 6, 8, Straight, Cam Shaft, Oil, Headrest, Bench, Bucket, Split, AM/FM, Radio,, Hinge, Shock, Mount, Hanger, Ornament, Emblem, Interior, Exterior, Seat, Dash, Gauge, Instrument, Manual, Transmission, Tach, Tachometer, Clock, Moulding, Spear, Garnish, Sill Plate, Drip Rail,, Pulley, Belt, Crankshaft, Crank, Rocker Arm, Valve, Pump, Alternator, Generator, Starter, Distributor,, Tail Panel, Handle, Lock, Latch, Mechanism,, Wiper, Switch, Motor, Blower, Heater, A/C, Control
    OE/OEM Part Number
    88 98 F85 442 Cutlass W-30 2+2 Eldorado, A B C E Body Platform Satellite GTX Rotunda, Appleton Stromberg Trippe Dealer Installed, Autolite Motorcraft Bosch Trico Kelsey Hayes OEM, Belvedere Cuda Barracuda Fury Challenger RT, Billet Belly Pan Bobbed Blown Blower Hiboy, Bored Stroked Bone Stock Boost Bucket Bull Nose, Borg Warner Muncie Saginaw Toploader, Charger Coronet Lancer Valiant Duster, Chevele Chevy II Nova Caprice Camaro Corvette, Coach Carson Top Dagmar Crate Digger Duval Flatty, Coupe Deville Mustang Torino Cougar Falcon Galaxie, Fairlane Ranchero Thunderbird T-Bird Comet, Flathead Fastback Front Clip Four Two Barrel, FoMoCo Carter Holley Napa Echlin Shurhit BW, GM General Motors Guide Delco-Remy Mopar, GS Skylark Riviera GTO Lemans Tempest Bonneville, Gasser Glasspack GOAT Grill Shell Headers Highboy, Impala Belair 150 210 Fleetline Styleline Deluxe, Monterey XR7 SCJ CJ 428 429 Continental Mark
    Features
    170 198 225 241 259 315 325 Hemi Poly Y-Block, 215 223 262 332 256 401 403 NailHead, 216 235 261 265 283 327 350 396 402 427 454 SBC, 302 400 455 500 239 223 262 254 215 332 352 360, 361 390 406 410 427 428 351 270 273 352 332, 383 340 426 440 201 219 175 190 160 196 201 212, American Racing Crane Hedman Frontenac SW, Cal-Custom Evans Bell Auto Cragar Cyclone Howard, Crower Sheifier Snider Halibrand Edmunds Fenton, Engine Motor Block Head Oil Pan Horsepower, Hot Rat Rod Chop Channel Section Lowrider Chassis, Isky Iskenderian Eelco Lakewood Mallory Hurst, Lead Sled Bomba Car Club SCTA AACA TROG, Man-a-fre Appliance Paxton Hilborn Cyclone, Moon Equipped Power Tour Race Drag Bomba, Slant 6 Inline V8 Flathead L65 L88 L82 ZL1, Spalding Kurten Kong Thickstun Heidts, Tattersfield Speed Parts, Tri-Power Fuel Injection FI Fuelie 3x2 Dual Quad, Winfield Weiand Nicson Edelbrock Offenhauser
    Finish
    Brushed, Chrome, Gloss, Matte, Painted, Polished Chrome, Polished Nickel, Aluminum Steel Mag Magnesium Nickel Plated, Lacquer Basecoat Clearcoat Wrap Dipped, Paint Chrome Stainless Polished Patina Faded, Paint Primer Detail Restore Project
    Country of Origin
    United States

  • Options
    alaura22alaura22 Posts: 3,915 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @mustangmanbob
    Now now, lets not be so picky
    Some of the people here will say that YOU just didn't do the search correctly! You didn't have quotes, dashes, comers, capital letters, periods, and on and on and on.......
    It's all YOUR fault that you got those results
    PLUS
    Were you standing on one leg with one hand behind your back?
    No wonder you didn't get the correct results Shame on you........... :o

  • Options
    jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 42,344 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @alaura22 said:
    @mustangmanbob
    Now now, lets not be so picky
    Some of the people here will say that YOU just didn't do the search correctly! You didn't have quotes, dashes, comers, capital letters, periods, and on and on and on.......
    It's all YOUR fault that you got those results
    PLUS
    Were you standing on one leg with one hand behind your back?
    No wonder you didn't get the correct results Shame on you........... :o

    I think you misunderstood what he's saying.

    What he's telling you is that NO FILTER would keep that listing from showing up.

    Further, he's saying that YOU would blame ebay search when it did show up.

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

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    MasonGMasonG Posts: 7,323 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I picked five random coins I have for sale on eBay and searched for them, just to see what happens.

    eBay's search function found them.

  • Options
    jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 42,344 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @MasonG said:
    I picked five random coins I have for sale on eBay and searched for them, just to see what happens.

    eBay's search function found them.

    But...but...but...

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

  • Options
    TrickleChargeTrickleCharge Posts: 439 ✭✭✭✭

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @TrickleCharge said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @TrickleCharge said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @TrickleCharge said:
    Sometimes I want to see the prices of a particular date coin that is slabbed by any of the main TPGS in all grades. You could search that date and check the filter boxes for all 5 of the grading companies. Now you would have to run 5 separate searches while trying to remember the prices for each.

    I hope removing the filters isn't a permanent change.

    This is true, but it also assumes that the item specifics were correctly indicated. You would never see a coin, for example, if you filtered for all 5 grading services and the seller hadn't checked one. This is true even if it said PCGS in the title.

    I'm sure some do fall through the cracks like that. You could also have a seller enter the incorrect date which would fail to hit on a search or filter. Once I was just scrolling through a category and noticed a semi key date coin by the picture. For whatever reason the listing description and title mentioned a more common date. Seven day auction and I was the only bidder. Nothing is perfect, but the filters can be easier than having to run multiple separate searches.

    Agreed. But you can also just add it to the search. You can also do an advanced search that includes all 5 TPG's simultaneously and don't need to do 5 separate searches. So, you really don't need the filter to accomplish the same thing.

    If, for example, I simply type in "1964 Kennedy Half Dollar 67 + NGC or PCGS or ANACS", I get results that includes any of those 3 holders.

    You'll also note that it also gives me the option of adding specific filters for the TPGS.

    Or you can do as Spud suggested and put less information and then choose the filter from the horizontal scroll.

    I appreciate the help, but I can't seem to get the "or" search to work that way. If I search "1865 pcgs" I get 320 results in the U.S. Coins category. If I search "1865 pcgs or ngc", I get only one result. I am in the app so not sure if that makes a difference.

    I do see the bar now that Spud mentions, but it is only allowing me to pick one service.

    Not sure. I didn't try it in the app. I'll try now

    Any luck figuring this out? I am still getting 327 results searching "1865 pcgs" and only a small fraction of that searching "1865 pcgs or ngc".

  • Options
    mbogomanmbogoman Posts: 5,328 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Several of my canned searches that I have used for decades now return hundreds of totally unrelated items. PITA for sure...

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    jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 42,344 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited August 14, 2026 5:41AM

    @TrickleCharge said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @TrickleCharge said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @TrickleCharge said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @TrickleCharge said:
    Sometimes I want to see the prices of a particular date coin that is slabbed by any of the main TPGS in all grades. You could search that date and check the filter boxes for all 5 of the grading companies. Now you would have to run 5 separate searches while trying to remember the prices for each.

    I hope removing the filters isn't a permanent change.

    This is true, but it also assumes that the item specifics were correctly indicated. You would never see a coin, for example, if you filtered for all 5 grading services and the seller hadn't checked one. This is true even if it said PCGS in the title.

    I'm sure some do fall through the cracks like that. You could also have a seller enter the incorrect date which would fail to hit on a search or filter. Once I was just scrolling through a category and noticed a semi key date coin by the picture. For whatever reason the listing description and title mentioned a more common date. Seven day auction and I was the only bidder. Nothing is perfect, but the filters can be easier than having to run multiple separate searches.

    Agreed. But you can also just add it to the search. You can also do an advanced search that includes all 5 TPG's simultaneously and don't need to do 5 separate searches. So, you really don't need the filter to accomplish the same thing.

    If, for example, I simply type in "1964 Kennedy Half Dollar 67 + NGC or PCGS or ANACS", I get results that includes any of those 3 holders.

    You'll also note that it also gives me the option of adding specific filters for the TPGS.

    Or you can do as Spud suggested and put less information and then choose the filter from the horizontal scroll.

    I appreciate the help, but I can't seem to get the "or" search to work that way. If I search "1865 pcgs" I get 320 results in the U.S. Coins category. If I search "1865 pcgs or ngc", I get only one result. I am in the app so not sure if that makes a difference.

    I do see the bar now that Spud mentions, but it is only allowing me to pick one service.

    Not sure. I didn't try it in the app. I'll try now

    Any luck figuring this out? I am still getting 327 results searching "1865 pcgs" and only a small fraction of that searching "1865 pcgs or ngc".

    The "or" doesn't seem to work in the app correctly. It may be the default setting of the keyword search. I don't see a way to adjust it like you canon the website.

    Edited: figured it out, with the help of a Google search. "OR" doesn't work in the app, but you can use parentheses. Use: "1865" + (pcgs, ngc). That gives you 1865 coins from both services, 642 total hits.

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

  • Options
    TrickleChargeTrickleCharge Posts: 439 ✭✭✭✭

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @TrickleCharge said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @TrickleCharge said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @TrickleCharge said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @TrickleCharge said:
    Sometimes I want to see the prices of a particular date coin that is slabbed by any of the main TPGS in all grades. You could search that date and check the filter boxes for all 5 of the grading companies. Now you would have to run 5 separate searches while trying to remember the prices for each.

    I hope removing the filters isn't a permanent change.

    This is true, but it also assumes that the item specifics were correctly indicated. You would never see a coin, for example, if you filtered for all 5 grading services and the seller hadn't checked one. This is true even if it said PCGS in the title.

    I'm sure some do fall through the cracks like that. You could also have a seller enter the incorrect date which would fail to hit on a search or filter. Once I was just scrolling through a category and noticed a semi key date coin by the picture. For whatever reason the listing description and title mentioned a more common date. Seven day auction and I was the only bidder. Nothing is perfect, but the filters can be easier than having to run multiple separate searches.

    Agreed. But you can also just add it to the search. You can also do an advanced search that includes all 5 TPG's simultaneously and don't need to do 5 separate searches. So, you really don't need the filter to accomplish the same thing.

    If, for example, I simply type in "1964 Kennedy Half Dollar 67 + NGC or PCGS or ANACS", I get results that includes any of those 3 holders.

    You'll also note that it also gives me the option of adding specific filters for the TPGS.

    Or you can do as Spud suggested and put less information and then choose the filter from the horizontal scroll.

    I appreciate the help, but I can't seem to get the "or" search to work that way. If I search "1865 pcgs" I get 320 results in the U.S. Coins category. If I search "1865 pcgs or ngc", I get only one result. I am in the app so not sure if that makes a difference.

    I do see the bar now that Spud mentions, but it is only allowing me to pick one service.

    Not sure. I didn't try it in the app. I'll try now

    Any luck figuring this out? I am still getting 327 results searching "1865 pcgs" and only a small fraction of that searching "1865 pcgs or ngc".

    The "or" doesn't seem to work in the app correctly. It may be the default setting of the keyword search. I don't see a way to adjust it like you canon the website.

    Edited: figured it out, with the help of a Google search. "OR" doesn't work in the app, but you can use parentheses. Use: "1865" + (pcgs, ngc). That gives you 1865 coins from both services, 642 total hits.

    Awesome. Thank you, I never would have guessed to try it that way.

  • Options
    jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 42,344 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @TrickleCharge said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @TrickleCharge said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @TrickleCharge said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @TrickleCharge said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @TrickleCharge said:
    Sometimes I want to see the prices of a particular date coin that is slabbed by any of the main TPGS in all grades. You could search that date and check the filter boxes for all 5 of the grading companies. Now you would have to run 5 separate searches while trying to remember the prices for each.

    I hope removing the filters isn't a permanent change.

    This is true, but it also assumes that the item specifics were correctly indicated. You would never see a coin, for example, if you filtered for all 5 grading services and the seller hadn't checked one. This is true even if it said PCGS in the title.

    I'm sure some do fall through the cracks like that. You could also have a seller enter the incorrect date which would fail to hit on a search or filter. Once I was just scrolling through a category and noticed a semi key date coin by the picture. For whatever reason the listing description and title mentioned a more common date. Seven day auction and I was the only bidder. Nothing is perfect, but the filters can be easier than having to run multiple separate searches.

    Agreed. But you can also just add it to the search. You can also do an advanced search that includes all 5 TPG's simultaneously and don't need to do 5 separate searches. So, you really don't need the filter to accomplish the same thing.

    If, for example, I simply type in "1964 Kennedy Half Dollar 67 + NGC or PCGS or ANACS", I get results that includes any of those 3 holders.

    You'll also note that it also gives me the option of adding specific filters for the TPGS.

    Or you can do as Spud suggested and put less information and then choose the filter from the horizontal scroll.

    I appreciate the help, but I can't seem to get the "or" search to work that way. If I search "1865 pcgs" I get 320 results in the U.S. Coins category. If I search "1865 pcgs or ngc", I get only one result. I am in the app so not sure if that makes a difference.

    I do see the bar now that Spud mentions, but it is only allowing me to pick one service.

    Not sure. I didn't try it in the app. I'll try now

    Any luck figuring this out? I am still getting 327 results searching "1865 pcgs" and only a small fraction of that searching "1865 pcgs or ngc".

    The "or" doesn't seem to work in the app correctly. It may be the default setting of the keyword search. I don't see a way to adjust it like you canon the website.

    Edited: figured it out, with the help of a Google search. "OR" doesn't work in the app, but you can use parentheses. Use: "1865" + (pcgs, ngc). That gives you 1865 coins from both services, 642 total hits.

    Awesome. Thank you, I never would have guessed to try it that way.

    That should also work for the person who wanted to search multiple grades. Just do (45, 50, 53, 55) or whatever.

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

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    MsMorrisineMsMorrisine Posts: 39,728 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @MasonG said:
    I picked five random coins I have for sale on eBay and searched for them, just to see what happens.

    eBay's search function found them.

    it's finding items that fit but returning items that don't too. it shouldn't be where everything needs to be in quotes to return the proper list of items.

    Current maintainer of Stone's Master List of Favorite Websites // My BST transactions
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    MasonGMasonG Posts: 7,323 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @MsMorrisine said:
    it shouldn't be where everything needs to be in quotes to return the proper list of items.

    An explanation has been provided that narrows the results down to the "proper list of items".

    And yet, the complaints continue.

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    jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 42,344 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @MasonG said:

    @MsMorrisine said:
    it shouldn't be where everything needs to be in quotes to return the proper list of items.

    An explanation has been provided that narrows the results down to the "proper list of items".

    And yet, the complaints continue.

    It's easier just to complain. The (ngc, pcgs) is probably better than the filter, but no one cares.

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

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    MsMorrisineMsMorrisine Posts: 39,728 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @MasonG said:

    @MsMorrisine said:
    it shouldn't be where everything needs to be in quotes to return the proper list of items.

    An explanation has been provided that narrows the results down to the "proper list of items".

    And yet, the complaints continue.

    you mean putting 1979 nickel ms 66 returning dimes is my fault?

    Current maintainer of Stone's Master List of Favorite Websites // My BST transactions
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    jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 42,344 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited August 14, 2026 12:28PM

    @MsMorrisine said:

    @MasonG said:

    @MsMorrisine said:
    it shouldn't be where everything needs to be in quotes to return the proper list of items.

    An explanation has been provided that narrows the results down to the "proper list of items".

    And yet, the complaints continue.

    you mean putting 1979 nickel ms 66 returning dimes is my fault?

    Yes, if you don't use quotation marks

    If it's not doing an all word match, it will return just 1979 items or just nickels or just 66. If you insist that "nickel" be present with the quotation marks, it won't return anything that doesn't have the word.

    But the "best match" sort should put the dimes on the bottom. Lol.

    I also don't see how having an NGC filter would solve the dime problem. You can mostly solve the dime problem using the category filter.

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

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    MsMorrisineMsMorrisine Posts: 39,728 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Current maintainer of Stone's Master List of Favorite Websites // My BST transactions
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    MasonGMasonG Posts: 7,323 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @MsMorrisine said:

    @MasonG said:

    @MsMorrisine said:
    it shouldn't be where everything needs to be in quotes to return the proper list of items.

    An explanation has been provided that narrows the results down to the "proper list of items".

    And yet, the complaints continue.

    you mean putting 1979 nickel ms 66 returning dimes is my fault?

    No, that's not your fault. What is your fault is not understanding how the search function works.

    As I noted above, a solution has been posted that will not show dimes. Use it to get the results you want or keep complaining- your choice.

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    MasonGMasonG Posts: 7,323 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @jmlanzaf said:
    It's easier just to complain.

    Well, sure. eBay should just know what I'm searching for.

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    jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 42,344 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @MasonG said:

    @jmlanzaf said:
    It's easier just to complain.

    Well, sure. eBay should just know what I'm searching for.

    As soon as the cognitive implants are available this problem will go away...welll... other than your own scattered thoughts.

    I managed to get exactly the results I wanted on both the web and in the app. And I even posted it for others to be able to reproduce. And yet, we just need the NGC button back, even though that doesn't filter out quarters.

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

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    MsMorrisineMsMorrisine Posts: 39,728 ✭✭✭✭✭

    hmmmmm

    searching for :: 1979 nickel ms 66

    means I get all nickels ms 66 even if not 1979
    and
    all denominations that are 1979 ms 66
    and
    all 1979 nickel ms at any grade
    and
    all 1979 Nickel 66

    this is the expected result from :: 1979 nickel ms 66 ??

    Current maintainer of Stone's Master List of Favorite Websites // My BST transactions
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    MasonGMasonG Posts: 7,323 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @MsMorrisine said:
    this is the expected result from :: 1979 nickel ms 66 ??

    If you want just "1979 nickel ms 66" and nothing else, it's been explained to you how to obtain that result.

    Why isn't that good enough?

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    MasonGMasonG Posts: 7,323 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @jmlanzaf said:
    As soon as the cognitive implants are available this problem will go away...welll... other than your own scattered thoughts.

    No, it won't. I can see it now...

    "Well, that's what I was thinking but it's not what I wanted..."

  • Options
    MsMorrisineMsMorrisine Posts: 39,728 ✭✭✭✭✭

    is it the expected result or not?

    Current maintainer of Stone's Master List of Favorite Websites // My BST transactions
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    jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 42,344 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited August 14, 2026 3:34PM

    @MsMorrisine said:
    hmmmmm

    searching for :: 1979 nickel ms 66

    means I get all nickels ms 66 even if not 1979
    and
    all denominations that are 1979 ms 66
    and
    all 1979 nickel ms at any grade
    and
    all 1979 Nickel 66

    this is the expected result from :: 1979 nickel ms 66 ??

    Yes, unless the search is for all words. You can change this on the website but not in the app

    Here are your 4 options on the website:

    Any words, Any order

    All words, any order

    Exact words, exact order

    Exact words, any order

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

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    jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 42,344 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @MsMorrisine said:
    is it the expected result or not?

    And here's the default for the app:

    You can use the parentheses and quotation marks as discussed above to change it, but there isn't advanced search options available as on the website.

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

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    MasonGMasonG Posts: 7,323 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited August 14, 2026 3:46PM

    @MsMorrisine said:
    is it the expected result or not?

    I would expect the results to be consistent with how eBay says they provide those results. Since it's their search tool, it's going to work the way they want it to. Their "How to use search" webpage has an overview explanation what they're doing. You might consider checking it out. Spoiler alert: If you're expecting that this search:

    1979 nickel ms 66

    will result in a list of items that match all four search terms, you're going to be disappointed. ChatGPT says:

    eBay tells us:
    -Best Match is the default ranking system.
    -Relevance to search terms matters.
    -Popularity, price, browsing history, location and other factors matter.
    -Listing completeness and item specifics matter.
    -Search can include related results.
    -Product Research is substantially more exact.
    -eBay regularly changes its Best Match algorithm.

    eBay does NOT publicly tell us:
    -the exact matching algorithm
    -the numerical relevance score
    -the weighting of 1979 versus nickel versus MS 66
    -exactly when a missing term causes a listing to be excluded
    -the precise query-expansion rules
    -whether a particular synonym is generated algorithmically or manually
    -the exact role of title vs. item specifics for each query
    -the threshold at which eBay decides to broaden a query

    edited to add... more from ChatGPT:

    If you're trying to understand why changing one word in an eBay search can dramatically change the results, Boolean logic alone is not a sufficient model. eBay's search is capable of ranking and interpreting results rather than merely retrieving listings that satisfy literal conditions.

    What eBay explicitly acknowledges: Best Match considers relevance to the search, popularity, price, listing quality/completeness, listing terms, seller track record, and—according to eBay's buyer-facing help—things such as browsing history and item location.

    A Boolean search is essentially rule-based filtering. You tell the search engine exactly what conditions must be met. eBay's search is much more like a ranking system.

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    MsMorrisineMsMorrisine Posts: 39,728 ✭✭✭✭✭

    if you expect chatgpt to be reliable then you are already wrong

    Current maintainer of Stone's Master List of Favorite Websites // My BST transactions
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    MasonGMasonG Posts: 7,323 ✭✭✭✭✭

    And just for the heck of it, here's a coin from a listing that does match all your search terms (1979 nickel ms 66):

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    MsMorrisineMsMorrisine Posts: 39,728 ✭✭✭✭✭

    it wasn't required to use quotes in the past to keep a quarter out of a nickel search. if this is a new effort then it is a failur.

    however, to alaura, put quotes on each word should do it (for now) the way to do an "or" is with parenthesis
    ("pcgs, "ngc") will leave out anacs and cacg and the third worlders

    we should not have to use quotes, and we did not in the past. search is now a broken mess.

    Current maintainer of Stone's Master List of Favorite Websites // My BST transactions
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    MasonGMasonG Posts: 7,323 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @MsMorrisine said:
    it wasn't required to use quotes in the past to keep a quarter out of a nickel search. if this is a new effort then it is a failur.

    eBay changes things- everybody knows this. There's lots of things I would have preferred that eBay didn't "improve", but they don't ask me when they make changes. Either accept that's so or complain about it- your choice.

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    jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 42,344 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @MsMorrisine said:
    if you expect chatgpt to be reliable then you are already wrong

    If you think it's wrong more than it's correct, you are already wrong.

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

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    jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 42,344 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @MsMorrisine said:
    it wasn't required to use quotes in the past to keep a quarter out of a nickel search. if this is a new effort then it is a failur.

    however, to alaura, put quotes on each word should do it (for now) the way to do an "or" is with parenthesis
    ("pcgs, "ngc") will leave out anacs and cacg and the third worlders

    we should not have to use quotes, and we did not in the past. search is now a broken mess.

    Basic search has not changed. The filters were the only thing that I see as different. The basic search has always had those options and behaved that way. That's the way all search works.

    Here's a Google search using 1979 nickel MS 66.

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

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    MasonGMasonG Posts: 7,323 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @MsMorrisine said:
    if you expect chatgpt to be reliable then you are already wrong

    Based on your posts regarding eBay's search function, I'll go with ChatGPT's take on what to expect from it over yours.

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    jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 42,344 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @MasonG said:

    @MsMorrisine said:
    it wasn't required to use quotes in the past to keep a quarter out of a nickel search. if this is a new effort then it is a failur.

    eBay changes things- everybody knows this. There's lots of things I would have preferred that eBay didn't "improve", but they don't ask me when they make changes. Either accept that's so or complain about it- your choice.

    The only thing that I see that's different is the filter options. The search itself always had those same options.

    Further, you could still use the category filter to limit the search to the nickels category.

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

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    MasonGMasonG Posts: 7,323 ✭✭✭✭✭

    From "How to use search" on eBay:

    When you search for an item on eBay, the listings in your search results are ranked by our Best Match algorithm. The algorithm is designed to show you the listings that most closely match what you're looking for.

    Listings are ranked based on a variety of factors, including:

    -how closely the listing matches your search terms
    -how popular the item is
    -the price of the item
    -your browsing history
    -the item's location

    Other factors such as the seller's track record on eBay, how complete the listing is, and the number of listings matching your query, are also taken into account. Promoted listings that match your search query and interests will also appear higher in search results.

    That sounds suspiciously similar to ChatGPT's interpretation:

    eBay tells us:
    -Best Match is the default ranking system.
    -Relevance to search terms matters.
    -Popularity, price, browsing history, location and other factors matter.
    -Listing completeness and item specifics matter.
    -Search can include related results.
    -Product Research is substantially more exact.
    -eBay regularly changes its Best Match algorithm.

    Just sayin'. :)

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