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My experience with ebays authenticity program

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    jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 43,349 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited October 28, 2026 3:46PM

    @Morgan13 said:

    @MasonG said:
    People keep saying prices will go up. So- how much are you willing to pay for an authenticity guarantee?

    Not much but once ebay gets done with this quarter which I believe is a test, the bean counters will forecast cost absorption and then we will know.
    It may be here to stay but nothings free especially were ebay is concerned.

    And yet the card authentication has been free for over 5 years. This is NOT a test. It's an extension.

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

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    MasonGMasonG Posts: 7,781 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @Morgan13 said:

    @MasonG said:
    People keep saying prices will go up. So- how much are you willing to pay for an authenticity guarantee?

    Not much but once ebay gets done with this quarter which I believe is a test, the bean counters will forecast cost absorption and then we will know.
    It may be here to stay but nothings free especially were ebay is concerned.

    And yet the card authentication has been free for over 5 years. This is NOT a test. It's an extension.

    It's been free longer than that for luxury watches and collectible sneakers- those programs started 7 years ago.

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    grote15grote15 Posts: 30,251 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Morgan13 said:

    @MasonG said:
    People keep saying prices will go up. So- how much are you willing to pay for an authenticity guarantee?

    Not much but once ebay gets done with this quarter which I believe is a test, the bean counters will forecast cost absorption and then we will know.
    It may be here to stay but nothings free especially were ebay is concerned.

    The authenticity guarantee has been in effect for years now with cards and there has been no increase in cost.



    Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
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    Morgan13Morgan13 Posts: 2,822 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited October 28, 2026 5:04PM

    I hope you guys are right. Its better for me and its better for you.
    I dont know the card market or the dollars involved but how much can ebay take before it starts looking at its margins.
    Has ebays selling prices been stable without increase for 5 years across the board?
    They dont necessarily need to put a knot on coins but a .6% increase somewhere on the whole map.
    Im just thinking about what I would have to do.
    Tell me this.....how much do you think PCGS charges to authenticate, pack in the fancy packaging, then pack for postage and ship out. $10-$20 per unit?
    Less?

    Student of numismatics and collector of Morgan dollars
    Successful BST transactions with: Namvet Justindan Mattniss RWW olah_in_MA
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    jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 43,349 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Morgan13 said:
    I hope you guys are right. Its better for me and its better for you.
    I dont know the card market or the dollars involved but how much can ebay take before it starts looking at its margins.
    Has ebays selling prices been stable without increase for 5 years across the board?
    They dont necessarily need to put a knot on coins but a .6% increase somewhere on the whole map.
    Im just thinking about what I would have to do.
    Tell me this.....how much do you think PCGS charges to authenticate, pack in the fancy packaging, then pack for postage and ship out. $10-$20 per unit?
    Less?

    I think that's a reasonable guess.

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

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    oldabeintxoldabeintx Posts: 3,261 ✭✭✭✭✭

    IMO the $500 threshold is too low. $1,000 seems more reasonable. At $1,000 and above requiring a signature is also reasonable. Or perhaps use a lower threshold for raw coins. I also like the idea of exempting some dealers, based on longevity, volume, complaint percentage. Or have them post a substantial bond. Whenever possible I’m going to dealers’ websites and ordering direct. These are substantial dealers so the guarantee isn’t a factor other than a nuisance. I’m on day 8 with an order from a dealer I respect and my coin still hasn’t made its way to PCGS. I suspect that the dealer is waiting and bundling coins for PCGS as he normally ships within a day or two and in this case he waited 5 days. I suspect we’ll see some fine-tuning. Hope so.

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    MasonGMasonG Posts: 7,781 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @oldabeintx said:
    I suspect that the dealer is waiting and bundling coins for PCGS...

    eBay policy prohibits this, orders must be sent individually.

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    oldabeintxoldabeintx Posts: 3,261 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @MasonG said:

    @oldabeintx said:
    I suspect that the dealer is waiting and bundling coins for PCGS...

    eBay policy prohibits this, orders must be sent individually.

    Aha. Thanks. Suspicious mind here.

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    TrickleChargeTrickleCharge Posts: 567 ✭✭✭✭

    @oldabeintx said:
    IMO the $500 threshold is too low. $1,000 seems more reasonable. At $1,000 and above requiring a signature is also reasonable. Or perhaps use a lower threshold for raw coins. I also like the idea of exempting some dealers, based on longevity, volume, complaint percentage. Or have them post a substantial bond. Whenever possible I’m going to dealers’ websites and ordering direct. These are substantial dealers so the guarantee isn’t a factor other than a nuisance. I’m on day 8 with an order from a dealer I respect and my coin still hasn’t made its way to PCGS. I suspect that the dealer is waiting and bundling coins for PCGS as he normally ships within a day or two and in this case he waited 5 days. I suspect we’ll see some fine-tuning. Hope so.

    The dealer in the thread below could easily fall into that exemption category, yet they still had a counterfeit for sale. They probably had no idea. Even some very knowledgeable members on the board here weren't entirely convinced it was fake, yet the authenticity program correctly identified it as a counterfeit.

    https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/1126360/my-experiences-with-the-new-ebay-authentication-guarantee-and-5-my-trade

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    MasonGMasonG Posts: 7,781 ✭✭✭✭✭

    People have been complaining about counterfeits on eBay for years. Now that eBay's doing something about it, the new complaint is that shipping takes longer.

    It's always something.

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    oldabeintxoldabeintx Posts: 3,261 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @TrickleCharge said:

    @oldabeintx said:
    IMO the $500 threshold is too low. $1,000 seems more reasonable. At $1,000 and above requiring a signature is also reasonable. Or perhaps use a lower threshold for raw coins. I also like the idea of exempting some dealers, based on longevity, volume, complaint percentage. Or have them post a substantial bond. Whenever possible I’m going to dealers’ websites and ordering direct. These are substantial dealers so the guarantee isn’t a factor other than a nuisance. I’m on day 8 with an order from a dealer I respect and my coin still hasn’t made its way to PCGS. I suspect that the dealer is waiting and bundling coins for PCGS as he normally ships within a day or two and in this case he waited 5 days. I suspect we’ll see some fine-tuning. Hope so.

    The dealer in the thread below could easily fall into that exemption category, yet they still had a counterfeit for sale. They probably had no idea. Even some very knowledgeable members on the board here weren't entirely convinced it was fake, yet the authenticity program correctly identified it as a counterfeit.

    https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/1126360/my-experiences-with-the-new-ebay-authentication-guarantee-and-5-my-trade

    Good point. Perhaps raw coins should be handled as a separate category, although I suppose even an experienced dealer could be fooled by a fake certified coin, and then there is the nuance of which TPG is involved. Ok, I’ll just learn to be patient if I go thru eBay. Patience isn’t my long suit.

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    Morgan13Morgan13 Posts: 2,822 ✭✭✭✭✭

    A very positive trait ebay has is they will cover you with a return. Even when it says no returns.
    Ive had several experiences. All legit.

    Student of numismatics and collector of Morgan dollars
    Successful BST transactions with: Namvet Justindan Mattniss RWW olah_in_MA
    Dantheman984 Toyz4geo SurfinxHI greencopper RWW bigjpst bretsan MWallace logger7 JWP BruceS bigjpst
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    jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 43,349 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @MasonG said:
    People have been complaining about counterfeits on eBay for years. Now that eBay's doing something about it, the new complaint is that shipping takes longer.

    It's always something.

    Complaining about ebay may be the number one hobby on this forum.

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

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    Morgan13Morgan13 Posts: 2,822 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I got no problem personally. I love ebay.
    I just like to make a point when I can.
    World's largest coin show!
    I waited 2 weeks for a coin I didnt even know was in my future.
    Its just the cost thats all.

    Student of numismatics and collector of Morgan dollars
    Successful BST transactions with: Namvet Justindan Mattniss RWW olah_in_MA
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    MasonGMasonG Posts: 7,781 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Morgan13 said:

    Its just the cost thats all.

    What cost is that?

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    logger7logger7 Posts: 10,001 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @MasonG said:
    People have been complaining about counterfeits on eBay for years. Now that eBay's doing something about it, the new complaint is that shipping takes longer.

    It's always something.

    Complaining about ebay may be the number one hobby on this forum.

    People really want their ebay orders no matter how small. I had a customer order an Indian cent for $8 including postage. The standard envelope went to Hawaii, instead of CA where he is from. He was very concerned, said he spent 1 hr. 42 Minute Call with an ebay rep.. It made its way back to him and he got it but not a peep.

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    oldabeintxoldabeintx Posts: 3,261 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @logger7 said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @MasonG said:
    People have been complaining about counterfeits on eBay for years. Now that eBay's doing something about it, the new complaint is that shipping takes longer.

    It's always something.

    Complaining about ebay may be the number one hobby on this forum.

    People really want their ebay orders no matter how small. I had a customer order an Indian cent for $8 including postage. The standard envelope went to Hawaii, instead of CA where he is from. He was very concerned, said he spent 1 hr. 42 Minute Call with an ebay rep.. It made its way back to him and he got it but not a peep.

    Pity the poor eBay rep. Problem likely with the seller or the buyer himself, not eBay.

  • Options
    MasonGMasonG Posts: 7,781 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @oldabeintx said:
    Problem likely with the seller or the buyer himself, not eBay.

    If the envelope went someplace it shouldn't have, you might consider that the people who deliver the mail might be somehow responsible for where it ended up.

  • Options
    oldabeintxoldabeintx Posts: 3,261 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @MasonG said:

    @oldabeintx said:
    Problem likely with the seller or the buyer himself, not eBay.

    If the envelope went someplace it shouldn't have, you might consider that the people who deliver the mail might be somehow responsible for where it ended up.

    Sure, but tough to work with the USPS to resolve this. Seller first in line.

  • Options
    Morgan13Morgan13 Posts: 2,822 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited October 29, 2026 6:57AM

    @MasonG said:

    @Morgan13 said:

    Its just the cost thats all.

    What cost is that?

    The cost of doing business on ebay.
    Example: If I buy a coin from you on the BST or a dealers website for $300 it cost me $300. If the dealer works with me and my experience is that they do.
    Same coin on ebay cost me $320 if its free shipping. If its not and I really want the coin let's call it $326.
    I cannot speak to being a seller on ebay but I have absolutely no doubt it pushes the price up higher.
    I hope that answers your question in a clear and concise way.

    Student of numismatics and collector of Morgan dollars
    Successful BST transactions with: Namvet Justindan Mattniss RWW olah_in_MA
    Dantheman984 Toyz4geo SurfinxHI greencopper RWW bigjpst bretsan MWallace logger7 JWP BruceS bigjpst
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    PerryHallPerryHall Posts: 47,850 ✭✭✭✭✭

    This eBay authentication program probably saves eBay money in the long run since it will greatly reduce the number of claims against their guarantee.

    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."----Voltaire

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    jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 43,349 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited October 29, 2026 12:11PM

    @Morgan13 said:

    @MasonG said:

    @Morgan13 said:

    Its just the cost thats all.

    What cost is that?

    The cost of doing business on ebay.
    Example: If I buy a coin from you on the BST or a dealers website for $300 it cost me $300. If the dealer works with me and my experience is that they do.
    Same coin on ebay cost me $320 if its free shipping. If its not and I really want the coin let's call it $326.
    I cannot speak to being a seller on ebay but I have absolutely no doubt it pushes the price up higher.
    I hope that answers your question in a clear and concise way.

    Not necessarily. I sell for the same price on ebay and off. The only exception might be shipping for a LCS.

    I would assume the dealer website is also shipping the coin, so why are you adding shipping to ebay but not the dealer website?

    If the coin is $300 on the dealer website, it's possibly $280 or less in the dealer's store. Are you upset about the added cost of buying off the website?

    Do you also resent the cost of GC? If it's $320 on ebay, the seller needs $350 on GC.

    It just seems that people hold ebay to different standards. For any venue, pay what you are willing to pay.

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

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    jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 43,349 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @logger7 said:

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @MasonG said:
    People have been complaining about counterfeits on eBay for years. Now that eBay's doing something about it, the new complaint is that shipping takes longer.

    It's always something.

    Complaining about ebay may be the number one hobby on this forum.

    People really want their ebay orders no matter how small. I had a customer order an Indian cent for $8 including postage. The standard envelope went to Hawaii, instead of CA where he is from. He was very concerned, said he spent 1 hr. 42 Minute Call with an ebay rep.. It made its way back to him and he got it but not a peep.

    I've gotten more headaches from $1.99 packages than $199 packages.

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

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    Morgan13Morgan13 Posts: 2,822 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @PerryHall said:
    This eBay authentication program probably saves eBay money in the long run since it will greatly reduce the number of claims against their guarantee.

    I think thats open for debate but I do see your point.

    Student of numismatics and collector of Morgan dollars
    Successful BST transactions with: Namvet Justindan Mattniss RWW olah_in_MA
    Dantheman984 Toyz4geo SurfinxHI greencopper RWW bigjpst bretsan MWallace logger7 JWP BruceS bigjpst
    JWP PROMETHIUS88

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    MasonGMasonG Posts: 7,781 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @jmlanzaf said:
    It just seems that people hold ebay to different standards.

    "Seems"? It's like people think coin dealer website developers don't charge for their work, hosting/maintenance doesn't cost anything and the dealer's time spent managing his website has no value.

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    jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 43,349 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @MasonG said:

    @jmlanzaf said:
    It just seems that people hold ebay to different standards.

    "Seems"? It's like people think coin dealer website developers don't charge for their work, hosting/maintenance doesn't cost anything and the dealer's time spent managing his website has no value.

    I think the response to my point actually proves my point. I may ban myself.

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

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    MasonGMasonG Posts: 7,781 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Morgan13 said:
    I just like to make a point when I can.

    Isn't that what @jmlanzaf is doing, too?

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    Morgan13Morgan13 Posts: 2,822 ✭✭✭✭✭

    If I buy a coin that > @MasonG said:

    @Morgan13 said:
    I just like to make a point when I can.

    Isn't that what @jmlanzaf is doing, too?

    Instigator

    Student of numismatics and collector of Morgan dollars
    Successful BST transactions with: Namvet Justindan Mattniss RWW olah_in_MA
    Dantheman984 Toyz4geo SurfinxHI greencopper RWW bigjpst bretsan MWallace logger7 JWP BruceS bigjpst
    JWP PROMETHIUS88

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    MasonGMasonG Posts: 7,781 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Morgan13 said:
    If I buy a coin that > @MasonG said:

    @Morgan13 said:
    I just like to make a point when I can.

    Isn't that what @jmlanzaf is doing, too?

    Instigator

    I made a point (just like you say you like to), but I'm an instigator? Really?

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    Morgan13Morgan13 Posts: 2,822 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Lets get back on track and put the toys away.
    Can we do that?
    Post a thread with your favorite coin or something.
    Im bored with the horse play.
    🥱

    Student of numismatics and collector of Morgan dollars
    Successful BST transactions with: Namvet Justindan Mattniss RWW olah_in_MA
    Dantheman984 Toyz4geo SurfinxHI greencopper RWW bigjpst bretsan MWallace logger7 JWP BruceS bigjpst
    JWP PROMETHIUS88

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    MasonGMasonG Posts: 7,781 ✭✭✭✭✭

    If you're bored, nothing is stopping you from doing something else. I'm still interested in knowing why you're okay with posting your opinion, but call it "political" or "annoying" or "horse play" when other people do the same thing.

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    Morgan13Morgan13 Posts: 2,822 ✭✭✭✭✭

    🥱

    Student of numismatics and collector of Morgan dollars
    Successful BST transactions with: Namvet Justindan Mattniss RWW olah_in_MA
    Dantheman984 Toyz4geo SurfinxHI greencopper RWW bigjpst bretsan MWallace logger7 JWP BruceS bigjpst
    JWP PROMETHIUS88

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    MasonGMasonG Posts: 7,781 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I'm sensing... you're not ready to say just yet.

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    MFeldMFeld Posts: 17,442 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Morgan13 said:
    🥱

    Unlike the other two members with whom you’ve been conversing, you’re being rude.
    That’s not typical for you.

    Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.

  • Options
    Morgan13Morgan13 Posts: 2,822 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited October 29, 2026 1:31PM

    @MFeld said:

    @Morgan13 said:
    🥱

    Unlike the other two members with whom you’ve been conversing, you’re being rude.
    That’s not typical for you.

    @MFeld it may appear that way and I am sorry for that. I mean that.
    I have just seen these two come into so many different threads and decimate the conversation.
    With that said I'll drop out of this thread asking that everyone accept my apology. I am short on patience today.
    Rude is not typically in my nature, your right.

    Student of numismatics and collector of Morgan dollars
    Successful BST transactions with: Namvet Justindan Mattniss RWW olah_in_MA
    Dantheman984 Toyz4geo SurfinxHI greencopper RWW bigjpst bretsan MWallace logger7 JWP BruceS bigjpst
    JWP PROMETHIUS88

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