for those of us who generally dislike eBay... with them taking steps to ensure coin authenticity...
Comments
-
I would like to see some statistics eventually on program parameters, giving buyers and sellers a chance to make evaluation, on an ongoing basis, of how well the ebay/PCGS program is performing.
"Two things are infinite: human stupidity and the universe; and I'm not sure about the universe."
-Albert Einstein-Mistakes are natural. But repeated mistakes without reflection are something else. That may be the “stupidity” he was referring to. In research, he admitted uncertainty openly. “If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?” This shows humility. Even a Nobel laureate accepted doubt. That humility makes the quote less cynical and more observational.
0 -
In the FAQ's....
Q: "Are coins listed in the bullion category eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?"
A: "Not at this time."Interesting.
There's a lot of high value material, slabbed 70's and all, listed in the bullion category that won't need to be "Authenticated".0 -
Of course he would. Then he can try and pick them apart to make some kind of supposed point.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
0 -
@jmlanzaf said:
You want to raise fees. SURE YOU DO. You don't even want them to open your Coin World holder to authenticate and then you wanted a 10% restocking fee if your coin ends up being fake. But you're ask in favor of LITERALLY DOUBLING the fees.At least be consistent with your trolling.
Er, why should he/she be consistent in their 'trolling' when you are not?
My online coin store - https://desertmoonnm.com/1 -
Yes I would like to see the numbers for the ebay/PCGS authentication program and share my findings after subjecting said numbers to analysis. Anyone got any ideas on what parameters might be interesting to look at? The two main groups are raw coins and third-party graded coins, of course.
How many raw coins did the authenticaters inspect? How many of the raw coins inspected got the nod of approval? What are the percentages by denomination of raw coins getting approved for sending to buyer? These are just a few numbers to look at and analyze for raw coins valued by sellers at $500 or more.
"Two things are infinite: human stupidity and the universe; and I'm not sure about the universe."
-Albert Einstein-Mistakes are natural. But repeated mistakes without reflection are something else. That may be the “stupidity” he was referring to. In research, he admitted uncertainty openly. “If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?” This shows humility. Even a Nobel laureate accepted doubt. That humility makes the quote less cynical and more observational.
0 -
@Desert Moon said:
@jmlanzaf said:
You want to raise fees. SURE YOU DO. You don't even want them to open your Coin World holder to authenticate and then you wanted a 10% restocking fee if your coin ends up being fake. But you're ask in favor of LITERALLY DOUBLING the fees.At least be consistent with your trolling.
Er, why should he/she be consistent in their 'trolling' when you are not?
I'm quite consistently supportive of this action. I'm consistently sure it will work as advertised because it's worked for 5 years in cards. And I'm consistently certain there will be no fee increase as a result.
I will also give you credit for consistently hating ebay. Congratulations.
🤡
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
0 -
@mr1931S said:
Yes I would like to see the numbers for the ebay/PCGS authentication program and share my findings after subjecting said numbers to analysis.Well, if you really want to see them, here are the numbers for your analysis:
0 -
@Rc5280 said:
In the FAQ's....
Q: "Are coins listed in the bullion category eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?"
A: "Not at this time."Interesting.
There's a lot of high value material, slabbed 70's and all, listed in the bullion category that won't need to be "Authenticated".Another one from the FAQ's:
Q: Will I be charged a fee for Authenticity Guarantee?
A: No. Through the Authenticity Guarantee service, eBay covers the cost of authentication for a limited time.
0 -
I'm guessing a major benefit of this eBay authentication program is that most of the scammers will just stop knowingly peddling their fake coins on eBay.

Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire1 -
@Rc5280 said:
@Rc5280 said:
In the FAQ's....
Q: "Are coins listed in the bullion category eligible for Authenticity Guarantee?"
A: "Not at this time."Interesting.
There's a lot of high value material, slabbed 70's and all, listed in the bullion category that won't need to be "Authenticated".Another one from the FAQ's:
Q: Will I be charged a fee for Authenticity Guarantee?
A: No. Through the Authenticity Guarantee service, eBay covers the cost of authentication for a limited time.
It's said the same thing on the cards for almost 5 years.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
1 -
@RedRocket said:
@JDark said:
Really hard post to read as a result of one "member" here. Makes this forum look silly to allow it to continue imho...Why is it almost immediately we know exactly which member is being referred to here?
I always feel like it's me. 🤔
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
0 -
@jmlanzaf said:
@RedRocket said:
@JDark said:
Really hard post to read as a result of one "member" here. Makes this forum look silly to allow it to continue imho...Why is it almost immediately we know exactly which member is being referred to here?
I always feel like it's me. 🤔
You Just need a quick apology to @dcarr and you're all good.)
0 -
@RedRocket said:
@jmlanzaf said:
@RedRocket said:
@JDark said:
Really hard post to read as a result of one "member" here. Makes this forum look silly to allow it to continue imho...Why is it almost immediately we know exactly which member is being referred to here?
I always feel like it's me. 🤔
You Just need a quick apology to @dcarr and you're all good.)
Apology for accidently angering him by stating my opinion on intentionally burned coins or for causing him to question my understanding of the coin market by not buying 4000 rolls of cents? 🤣
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
0 -
Ikey, Dr. Lori doesn't have the expertise in mathematics that I do. Mathematics was my minor in college. I have enough earned college credits to actually be a teacher of high school level math. I went to some effort to be a teacher after my career in television boadcasting was over. I did file my fingerprints with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation but failed to get a high enough score on the Praxis test for math. I scored 142 on said test but the minimum score needed was 156 which is the Colorado standard, the highest of all states in the nation. I could have gone to Arkansas to teach. Arkansas standard for score to pass the Praxis test was 116 at the time. I communicated by email a bit with a HS math teacher in Colorado and in light of his remarks about teaching kids in today's world, i consider that it's a blessing in disguise that I didn't make it as a teacher in Colorado.

I know. My story about being a math teacher is neither here nor there. I just wanted to establish that I do have ample math skills to do an analysis of ebay/PCGS authentication program statistics that will blow your socks off. You will be going, "Tell me more! Tell me more!"
"Two things are infinite: human stupidity and the universe; and I'm not sure about the universe."
-Albert Einstein-Mistakes are natural. But repeated mistakes without reflection are something else. That may be the “stupidity” he was referring to. In research, he admitted uncertainty openly. “If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?” This shows humility. Even a Nobel laureate accepted doubt. That humility makes the quote less cynical and more observational.
0 -
Tell me less. Tell me less.
chopmarkedtradedollars.com
3 -
@RedRocket said:
@JDark said:
Really hard post to read as a result of one "member" here. Makes this forum look silly to allow it to continue imho...Why is it almost immediately we know exactly which member is being referred to here?
It's either IkesT or me...hey, that rhymes...Ikes tee or me...
"Two things are infinite: human stupidity and the universe; and I'm not sure about the universe."
-Albert Einstein-Mistakes are natural. But repeated mistakes without reflection are something else. That may be the “stupidity” he was referring to. In research, he admitted uncertainty openly. “If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?” This shows humility. Even a Nobel laureate accepted doubt. That humility makes the quote less cynical and more observational.
0 -
@jmlanzaf said:
Apology for accidently angering him by stating my opinion on intentionally burned coins or for causing him to question my understanding of the coin market by not buying 4000 tools of cents? 🤣
Yes. Exactly that.
0 -
@RedRocket said:
@jmlanzaf said:
Apology for accidently angering him by stating my opinion on intentionally burned coins or for causing him to question my understanding of the coin market by not buying 4000 tools of cents? 🤣
Yes. Exactly that.
C'mon out with the truth. You guys are brothers, aren't you?
"Two things are infinite: human stupidity and the universe; and I'm not sure about the universe."
-Albert Einstein-Mistakes are natural. But repeated mistakes without reflection are something else. That may be the “stupidity” he was referring to. In research, he admitted uncertainty openly. “If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?” This shows humility. Even a Nobel laureate accepted doubt. That humility makes the quote less cynical and more observational.
0 -
I browsed some of the card forums. For raw cards the authenticator seems to be 1) checking that the card is real 2) ensuring that it matches the listing description. For example if someone listed a raw card as near mint, but the authenticator noticed a crease or impairment that would place the card below the listed grade, it would fail authentication. The buyer would be told about the issue and given the option to either proceed with or cancel the sale.
I am curious if/how this would apply to coins. If a raw coin that has been cleaned is sold without any mention of it, could the authenticator fail the coin for the cleaning?
0 -
@mr1931S said:
IkesT understands some things you will never know because you have an over-abundance, a plethora if you will, of chopmarks floating around between your ears. Do you know if Japanese characters, which highly resemble Chinese chopmarks, are actually considered chopmarks? I recently bought a really neat looking Japanese 10 sen piece. It's the same size as a US dime, made around 1900 near as I can tell. The piece could be more-or-less exactly dated if one understands what the mint-made Japanese characters say. It's been a challenge for me to solve this mystery, to say the least.

chopmarkedtradedollars.com
2 -
Okay. You obviously don't want to share your knowledge so I promise I will not say another word about Chinese chopmarks or Japanese characters here. I try to learn something every day but that's just me.
"Two things are infinite: human stupidity and the universe; and I'm not sure about the universe."
-Albert Einstein-Mistakes are natural. But repeated mistakes without reflection are something else. That may be the “stupidity” he was referring to. In research, he admitted uncertainty openly. “If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?” This shows humility. Even a Nobel laureate accepted doubt. That humility makes the quote less cynical and more observational.
0 -
@TrickleCharge said:
I browsed some of the card forums. For raw cards the authenticator seems to be 1) checking that the card is real 2) ensuring that it matches the listing description. For example if someone listed a raw card as near mint, but the authenticator noticed a crease or impairment that would place the card below the listed grade, it would fail authentication. The buyer would be told about the issue and given the option to either proceed with or cancel the sale.I am curious if/how this would apply to coins. If a raw coin that has been cleaned is sold without any mention of it, could the authenticator fail the coin for the cleaning?
Interesting question. The coin needs to be "significantly as described" before it can be sent to the buyer. If the authenticator sees obvious "cleaned" then I would think the piece fails (passes?) the SNAD test and goes back to the seller.
"Two things are infinite: human stupidity and the universe; and I'm not sure about the universe."
-Albert Einstein-Mistakes are natural. But repeated mistakes without reflection are something else. That may be the “stupidity” he was referring to. In research, he admitted uncertainty openly. “If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?” This shows humility. Even a Nobel laureate accepted doubt. That humility makes the quote less cynical and more observational.
0 -
I sort of get the feeling that eBay is STILL not for me.
Official PCGS account of:
www.TallahasseeCoinClub.com
3 -
If the coin below is purchased, and the authenticator finds the coin to be a counterfeit. Who pays for the $5.28 shipping? Does eBay pay for the return shipping to seller? If the example is a counterfeit is there any down side to the seller, so that counterfeit coins are not listed?
0 -
@slider23 wrote:
If the coin below is purchased, and the authenticator finds the coin to be a counterfeit. Who pays for the $5.28 shipping? Does eBay pay for the return shipping to seller?Excellent question. I don't know the answer to your question but somebody who posts constantly here about the world's biggest coin store has got a good answer I would think.
"Two things are infinite: human stupidity and the universe; and I'm not sure about the universe."
-Albert Einstein-Mistakes are natural. But repeated mistakes without reflection are something else. That may be the “stupidity” he was referring to. In research, he admitted uncertainty openly. “If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?” This shows humility. Even a Nobel laureate accepted doubt. That humility makes the quote less cynical and more observational.
0 -
@mr1931S said:
@slider23 wrote:
If the coin below is purchased, and the authenticator finds the coin to be a counterfeit. Who pays for the $5.28 shipping? Does eBay pay for the return shipping to seller?Excellent question. I don't know the answer to your question but somebody who posts constantly here about the world's biggest coin store has got a good answer I would think.
It's unclear about what happens to the counterfeits. The seller will be on the hook for the $5.28. I also think it is likely that the coin will be returned to the seller since that is what PCGS does now but it's open to interpretation..
The T&C says this:
Your Role as Seller. By listing an Eligible Item for sale on the eBay platform, you authorize its inspection by the Authentication Partner subsequent to its purchase. Upon purchase, you are required to ship the Eligible Item, with appropriate insurance coverage, to a facility located within the United States, as directed by eBay. Items must be sent to the facility individually unless part of a multi-item order. The cost of shipping to the Authentication Partner is not covered by eBay. You acknowledge and agree that if the Authentication Partner cannot verify an item’s authenticity, a refund will be issued to the buyer and you shall cooperate with removing the item from marketplace circulation.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
0 -
LOL. Well, that would be fine. But if you want answers to your questions, your options are: post a random question to some random strangers on an internet forum or read the T&C.
I often feel like my continuing value to the workforce is my ability to actually use a search engine.

All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
0 -
I'm a ChatGPT man, myself. Their new "Work" function is phenomenal. I've literally told colleagues that I might pay $500 per month out of pocket to maintain access. (Don't tell OpenAI, LOL, the current $20 is an absolute steal.)
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
0 -
@jmlanzaf said:
LOL. Well, that would be fine. But if you want answers to your questions, your options are: post a random question to some random strangers on an internet forum or read the T&C.
I often feel like my continuing value to the workforce is my ability to actually use a search engine.

We still don't know what happens when the inspectors find that they are looking at a counterfeit or altered coin in a genuine untampered-with holder. Seller has got money coming (if not the buyer from the TPG that authenticated it) so it would be wrong of the inspectors to just seize it or turn it over to SS.
Furthermore, it would be illegal (according to the lawyer) to mail such an item back to the seller. Hand delivery (to the seller) of the odious item might work out, I suppose."Two things are infinite: human stupidity and the universe; and I'm not sure about the universe."
-Albert Einstein-Mistakes are natural. But repeated mistakes without reflection are something else. That may be the “stupidity” he was referring to. In research, he admitted uncertainty openly. “If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?” This shows humility. Even a Nobel laureate accepted doubt. That humility makes the quote less cynical and more observational.
0 -
Copilot no help in providing an answer to my vexing question. What happens when the inspectors find that they are looking at a counterfeit coin in a genuine holder? Could it be that a higher level of the inspecting TPG would need to get involved?
"Two things are infinite: human stupidity and the universe; and I'm not sure about the universe."
-Albert Einstein-Mistakes are natural. But repeated mistakes without reflection are something else. That may be the “stupidity” he was referring to. In research, he admitted uncertainty openly. “If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?” This shows humility. Even a Nobel laureate accepted doubt. That humility makes the quote less cynical and more observational.
0 -
@mr1931S said:
Copilot no help in providing an answer to my vexing question. What happens when the inspectors find that they are looking at a counterfeit coin in a genuine holder? Could it be that a higher level of the inspecting TPG would need to get involved?
They don't inspect coins in holders. They authenticate the holder. We've already discussed this.
And who cares? You'll find out if it ever happens to you.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
0 -
@jmlanzaf said:
@mr1931S said:
Copilot no help in providing an answer to my vexing question. What happens when the inspectors find that they are looking at a counterfeit coin in a genuine holder? Could it be that a higher level of the inspecting TPG would need to get involved?
They don't inspect coins in holders. They authenticate the holder. We've already discussed this.
And who cares? You'll find out if it ever happens to you.
Are you saying that an expensive coin identified as a counterfeit by a sharp inspector gets sent on it's way to the buyer only because it's in a genuine holder?
"Two things are infinite: human stupidity and the universe; and I'm not sure about the universe."
-Albert Einstein-Mistakes are natural. But repeated mistakes without reflection are something else. That may be the “stupidity” he was referring to. In research, he admitted uncertainty openly. “If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?” This shows humility. Even a Nobel laureate accepted doubt. That humility makes the quote less cynical and more observational.
0 -
@mr1931S said:
@jmlanzaf said:
@mr1931S said:
Copilot no help in providing an answer to my vexing question. What happens when the inspectors find that they are looking at a counterfeit coin in a genuine holder? Could it be that a higher level of the inspecting TPG would need to get involved?
They don't inspect coins in holders. They authenticate the holder. We've already discussed this.
And who cares? You'll find out if it ever happens to you.
Are you saying that an expensive coin identified as a counterfeit by a sharp inspector gets sent on it's way to the buyer only because it's in a genuine holder?
Idc. Idk.
CALL EBAY
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
2 -
-
And the result of my coin:


2 -
@mr1931S said:
@jmlanzaf said:
@mr1931S said:
Copilot no help in providing an answer to my vexing question. What happens when the inspectors find that they are looking at a counterfeit coin in a genuine holder? Could it be that a higher level of the inspecting TPG would need to get involved?
They don't inspect coins in holders. They authenticate the holder. We've already discussed this.
And who cares? You'll find out if it ever happens to you.
Are you saying that an expensive coin identified as a counterfeit by a sharp inspector gets sent on it's way to the buyer only because it's in a genuine holder?
If you suspect that you purchased a counterfeit coin in an authentic holder, then your next step is to contact the TPG who graded it. This should be covered under their guarantee. For slabbed coins the eBay program is identifying if the holder is fake or if the holder is real, but has been tampered with. In the above example they did a good job of correctly identifying a fake slab.
2 -
@mr1931S said:
@jmlanzaf said:
@mr1931S said:
Copilot no help in providing an answer to my vexing question. What happens when the inspectors find that they are looking at a counterfeit coin in a genuine holder? Could it be that a higher level of the inspecting TPG would need to get involved?
They don't inspect coins in holders. They authenticate the holder. We've already discussed this.
And who cares? You'll find out if it ever happens to you.
Are you saying that an expensive coin identified as a counterfeit by a sharp inspector gets sent on it's way to the buyer only because it's in a genuine holder?
This is a legitimate concern. Several years ago, PCGS slabbed several 1896, 1900 and 1902 Morgan dollars all with the micro-O mintmark that were later determined to be counterfeit. PCGS issued a Public Service Announcement saying that they were counterfeit and that they wanted to buy them back but many were kept by collectors so there are counterfeits in genuine PCGS slabs out there in collections.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire3 -
What new scenario? The scenario is and has been, what happens when the TPG inspectors find themselves looking at a counterfeit coin in a genuine untampered-with holder. The lawyer, called this scenario "tautological." With all due respect to the lawyer, that is an incorrect characterization of the scenario. I'm thinking sending the item by Fedex is the way to go to get the counterfeit back in the hands of the seller. Fedex, a private company, doesn't have to play by the rules in place at USPS. The seller pays for Fedex service to get his counterfeit back in his hands so that he can deal with it at the TPG (or the party who sold him the item) and avail himself of the TPG's authenticity guarantee. Problem solved.
"Two things are infinite: human stupidity and the universe; and I'm not sure about the universe."
-Albert Einstein-Mistakes are natural. But repeated mistakes without reflection are something else. That may be the “stupidity” he was referring to. In research, he admitted uncertainty openly. “If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?” This shows humility. Even a Nobel laureate accepted doubt. That humility makes the quote less cynical and more observational.
1 -
If they are not reviewing the approved TPG's holdered coins but just the holder and label, how would this even come about?
0 -
@PerryHall said:
@mr1931S said:
@jmlanzaf said:
@mr1931S said:
Copilot no help in providing an answer to my vexing question. What happens when the inspectors find that they are looking at a counterfeit coin in a genuine holder? Could it be that a higher level of the inspecting TPG would need to get involved?
They don't inspect coins in holders. They authenticate the holder. We've already discussed this.
And who cares? You'll find out if it ever happens to you.
Are you saying that an expensive coin identified as a counterfeit by a sharp inspector gets sent on it's way to the buyer only because it's in a genuine holder?
This is a legitimate concern. Several years ago, PCGS slabbed several 1896, 1900 and 1902 Morgan dollars all with the micro-O mintmark that were later determined to be counterfeit. PCGS issued a Public Service Announcement saying that they were counterfeit and that they wanted to buy them back but many were kept by collectors so there are counterfeits in genuine PCGS slabs out there in collections.
And those mentioned are worth more now to those collectors than before.
Those who know me know I have some pretty interesting "coins" in genuine TPG holders and continue to look for them...
2 -
No creation of man will ever be perfect. Mistakes will always happen. And I'm sure they will get worked out.
I've had problems with HA, SB, and eBay. And they were all quickly worked out acceptably. We just had a forum member with a GC problem that got worked out.
I remain a HUGE supporter of this move. The only thing that would be better is the option for the buyer to pay for the service for ANY purchase, with the seller reimbursing the cost of it is found to not be authentic.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
1 -
Long time Ebay member here (since 1998).
Yes, Ebay has gotten more expensive and possibly 'worse', but if you know your stuff, year after year, it has been very profitable for me (mainly for buying).
"Gold is money, and nothing else" (JP Morgan, 1912)
"“Those who sacrifice liberty for security/safety deserve neither.“(Benjamin Franklin)
"I only golf on days that end in 'Y'" (DE59)0 -
@JDark said:
If they are not reviewing the approved TPG's holdered coins but just the holder and label, how would this even come about?Holder, label, coin is the complete package. PCGS is the industry leader. I like to think they hire the brightest and the best. The "fix" is easy for the TPG as far as ebay is concerned. Simply send the suspected counterfeit that has somehow made its way into a genuine holder back to the seller via Fedex or some other private carrier.
There is a saying posted prominently at the entrance to the television broadcast station newsroom where dwell the bringers of the light:
"Accuracy. Accuracy. Accuracy."
"Two things are infinite: human stupidity and the universe; and I'm not sure about the universe."
-Albert Einstein-Mistakes are natural. But repeated mistakes without reflection are something else. That may be the “stupidity” he was referring to. In research, he admitted uncertainty openly. “If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?” This shows humility. Even a Nobel laureate accepted doubt. That humility makes the quote less cynical and more observational.
0 -
@mr1931S said:
@JDark said:
If they are not reviewing the approved TPG's holdered coins but just the holder and label, how would this even come about?Holder, label, coin is the complete package. PCGS is the industry leader. I like to think they hire the brightest and the best. The "fix" is easy for the TPG as far as ebay is concerned. Simply send the suspected counterfeit that has somehow made its way into a genuine holder back to the seller via Fedex or some other private carrier.
There is a saying posted prominently at the entrance to the television broadcast station newsroom where dwell the bringers of the light:
"Accuracy. Accuracy. Accuracy."
You are obviously closer to this than I am.
As I have seen stated here repeatedly, the highlighted wording from eBay's own description of the service: "Who is authenticating the coins? eBay's team of professionally trained authenticators vet and verify each item, utilizing detailed, physical inspection and advanced technical equipment in a state-of-the-art facility. For raw coins, experts verify authenticity through a multi-point inspection, and then carefully review listing details for accuracy. For graded coins, experts authenticate each holder and label. No re-grading is performed unless otherwise stated by eBay.".
One might surmise from the wording they are NOT looking to authenticate the coin itself, since it had already been authenticated by 1 of the 4 approved TPGs. Which is why I asked my original question, and I assume this was your answer...
0 -
@JDark said:
@mr1931S said:
@JDark said:
If they are not reviewing the approved TPG's holdered coins but just the holder and label, how would this even come about?Holder, label, coin is the complete package. PCGS is the industry leader. I like to think they hire the brightest and the best. The "fix" is easy for the TPG as far as ebay is concerned. Simply send the suspected counterfeit that has somehow made its way into a genuine holder back to the seller via Fedex or some other private carrier.
There is a saying posted prominently at the entrance to the television broadcast station newsroom where dwell the bringers of the light:
"Accuracy. Accuracy. Accuracy."
You are obviously closer to this than I am.
As I have seen stated here repeatedly, the highlighted wording from eBay's own description of the service: "Who is authenticating the coins? eBay's team of professionally trained authenticators vet and verify each item, utilizing detailed, physical inspection and advanced technical equipment in a state-of-the-art facility. For raw coins, experts verify authenticity through a multi-point inspection, and then carefully review listing details for accuracy. For graded coins, experts authenticate each holder and label. No re-grading is performed unless otherwise stated by eBay.".
One might surmise from the wording they are NOT looking to authenticate the coin itself, since it had already been authenticated by 1 of the 4 approved TPGs. Which is why I asked my original question, and I assume this was your answer...
I'm not suggesting that the TPG hired by ebay needs to go over slabbed coin they inspect with a fine-toothed comb for coin authenticity. It's not reasonable to expect the "eBay team of professionally trained authenticators" to do that. I would be interested in some details about the "advanced technical equipment," they are claiming is being used to verify holder authenticity. Has a holder authenticator device been invented?
Several years ago I purchased an NGC graded Barber dime from a seller on ebay. The coin had been straight-graded as XF 45 and the ebay images gave me every indication that I would be receiving a solid, accurately graded coin for my money. On opening the package, however, I was shocked at what I saw. The holder, though genuine, showed evidence of being "compromised" and the coin contained within, even though it had XF details to my eyes, had obviously been cleaned. Without saying what I suspected about my purchase, I showed the piece to my wife and asked her what she thought about it. My "advanced technical equipment" wife, not a trained numismatist by any means, said without hesitation, "It looks cleaned."
Hopefully, ebay's holder authentication service will work out for buyers and sellers alike. The program has my best wishes.
"Two things are infinite: human stupidity and the universe; and I'm not sure about the universe."
-Albert Einstein-Mistakes are natural. But repeated mistakes without reflection are something else. That may be the “stupidity” he was referring to. In research, he admitted uncertainty openly. “If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?” This shows humility. Even a Nobel laureate accepted doubt. That humility makes the quote less cynical and more observational.
0
Categories
- All Categories
- 520.1K Coins and Currency - PCGS
- 328.6K U.S. Coin Forum
- 14.8K PCGS Set Registry Forum
- 5.2K Q & A Forum
- 41.4K World & Ancient Coins Forum
- 3K U.S. & World Currency Forum
- 96.4K Buy, Sell, & Trade - U.S. Coins
- 7.3K Buy, Sell & Trade - World & Ancient Coins
- 1.5K Buy, Sell & Trade - Currency
- 61 Random
- 246.2K Trading Cards, Autographs and Memorabilia - PSA
- 90.3K Trading Cards & Memorabilia Forum
- 1.7K Autographs Forum
- 16.4K PSA Set Registry Forum
- 22K Sports Talk
- 115K Buy, Sell & Trade - Cards & Memorabilia
- 663 Buy, Sell & Trade - Autographs
- 2.2K Stamps
- 1.5K Stamps Forum
- 670 Buy, Sell & Trade - Stamps
- 83 Coin Shows
- 83 General Coin Show Information and Discussion
- 11.9K Misc
- 11.9K Testing Forum









