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I bought and am returning my first uncertified coin on Ebay..
coinguy1
Posts: 13,484 ✭✭✭
At least, as best I can remember.....
Here are images of the coin:
When I received the coin, I quickly saw that it had been rather harshly cleaned on both sides.
There was no mention of the cleaning in the description.
The listing said no returns accepted.
But then I remembered that Paypal almost always sides with the buyer if the item is not as described (and sometimes, even if it is).
But THEN I remembered I have always preached that one shouldn't bid in a no-return sale unless they are willing to keep the coin, even if Paypal would side with the buyer.
So, I sent the seller a message. I told him that, though I am aware of the limitations of images, I was disappointed in the coin, due to the cleaning, which was not mentioned and did not show in the images. I asked if I could return it, told him I wasn't accusing him of any wrong doing and that I hoped we could work it out. I had already decided that if he refused, that would be the end of it.
He wrote back, asking if I would consider keeping it at a lower price.
I replied thanks for offering, but that I was looking for a nice coin, not a deal.
I asked if I could return the coin for $10 less than I paid, with my eating the postage both ways.
He wrote back saying I could return it without the $10 discount, and asked how it could be cleaned and still toned.
I told him I was still fine getting back $10 less, and answered his question about the cleaning and toning.
I am of the strong belief that he was not trying to hide the cleaning in anyway and wasn't aware of it.
No more uncertified coins on Ebay for me.
Here are images of the coin:
When I received the coin, I quickly saw that it had been rather harshly cleaned on both sides.
There was no mention of the cleaning in the description.
The listing said no returns accepted.
But then I remembered that Paypal almost always sides with the buyer if the item is not as described (and sometimes, even if it is).
But THEN I remembered I have always preached that one shouldn't bid in a no-return sale unless they are willing to keep the coin, even if Paypal would side with the buyer.
So, I sent the seller a message. I told him that, though I am aware of the limitations of images, I was disappointed in the coin, due to the cleaning, which was not mentioned and did not show in the images. I asked if I could return it, told him I wasn't accusing him of any wrong doing and that I hoped we could work it out. I had already decided that if he refused, that would be the end of it.
He wrote back, asking if I would consider keeping it at a lower price.
I replied thanks for offering, but that I was looking for a nice coin, not a deal.
I asked if I could return the coin for $10 less than I paid, with my eating the postage both ways.
He wrote back saying I could return it without the $10 discount, and asked how it could be cleaned and still toned.
I told him I was still fine getting back $10 less, and answered his question about the cleaning and toning.
I am of the strong belief that he was not trying to hide the cleaning in anyway and wasn't aware of it.
No more uncertified coins on Ebay for me.
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Comments
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Funny thing is that I was able to sell those same coins on eBay with full disclosure and better images for about the same money.
I really think this is true with quite a few sellers on ebay. Many of them know nothing about coins and buy and sell with the hope of makeing a buck or two. Of course you have the other side of the coin where the seller darn well knows what he has and does not state the true condition.
With that said I also have done well with raw coins on ebay. Certainly they have not all been rips but like Mark said I look for nice dimes and not always for the cheap. Certain areas of ebay can be just fine for coins IMO.
Ken
<< <i>No more uncertified coins on Ebay for me. >>
Sorry to hear that since I have many Feld quality, (based on the one in this thread), raw coins listed right now.
Russ, NCNE
Higher grade, but questionably light in color (and toning).
Sometimes things are too good to be true!
But congrats on being able to get out from under it.
roadrunner
there are a few who know what they have and are good at hiding/implying they have something else
hopefully it works out for you
-Aristotle
Dum loquimur fugerit invida aetas. Carpe diem quam minimum credula postero.
-Horace
Experience the World through Numismatics...it's more than you can imagine.
<< <i>I really do not want to write a comment that makes me a Monday morning quarterback... >>
Please, feel free. I expected that I would get a few, anyway.
Were you hoping that it was only an old cleaning and not harshly cleaned as it turned out.
I say that because that sure looks like a cleaned retoned coin to this amateur.
"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working" Pablo Picasso
"Keep your malarkey filter in good operating order" -Walter Breen
I hope the ebay pic was much different, and yes the buyer is always correct with paypal.
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
You should know better. I am surprised that YOU would even consider buying a coin looking like this coin. No excuses !
Stewart Blay
Even graded and certified coins can appear better than reality. Do you buy off Ebay without seeing the reverse? Do you buy from a seller with no returns? Even with a return policy do you want to foot the bill for shipping it back? Lately I have been returning at least half of my ebay purchases due to item not being described honestly. In that case I usually try to make a dishonest seller eat the return shipping too.
If I keep the "not as described" coin then the seller gets a neg. without hesitation.
After all, everyone knows the best place to dump your junk is ebay.
is this the first uncertified coin you have bought on ebay?
or
the first one you bought and returned?
<< <i>I am confused,
is this the first uncertified coin you have bought on ebay?
or
the first one you bought and returned? >>
Sorry for the confusion - I think it was the first (and will be the last) uncertified coin I bought on Ebay.
In answer to a couple of questions - the coin looked dipped to me, but not cleaned - at least not harshly so.
Here is a larger image of the obverse from the seller:
1908 S Peso. It looked nice in the sellers picture. It was described as CH Unc.
Received it today and it has been whizzed. What a shame another nice coin ruined.
Oh well just sending the seller a message now to ask for a refund.
Mark, What was your motivation for breaking your own rules?
Just wondering...Mike
and the coin has problems ; the seller nearly always plays dumb and puts on an act of being innocent of knowledge of the problem .
I truly believe that a return priv. is the only way to buy .
Husslo, it looks like that Peso was
done in by "double naught" steel wool
"Keep your malarkey filter in good operating order" -Walter Breen
The seller's photos also show that coin to be cleaned or at least lacking most of its original mint luster. Though your photos show it much better.
roadrunner
<< <i>One of my new purchases last week. 1908 S Peso. It looked nice in the sellers picture. It was described as CH Unc
The seller's photos also show that coin to be cleaned or at least lacking most of its original mint luster. Though your photos show it much better.
roadrunner >>
I sure don't see it that way - it looks like a nice coin to me, based on the seller's images.
MikeInFl - PM to be sent shortly.
Edited to add: To his credit, the seller issued a refund and he doesn't even have the coin back yet.
<< <i>
Mark, What was your motivation for breaking your own rules?
>>
If it was successful just imagine how many of us would go back to purchasing raw coins on Ebay.
-D
-Aristotle
Dum loquimur fugerit invida aetas. Carpe diem quam minimum credula postero.
-Horace
<< <i>Am I the only one that is surprised that a smart, sophisticated coin dealer like Mark would buy a raw rare coin on eBay? >>
...no.
After looking at thousands of sellers photos over the years, I would like to think I have developed a nack for interpretting what the coin may look like in person. There is sometimes the seller that will intentionally take photos hiding the flaws of the coin with the hope that the eventual buyer will be inexperienced with coins.
There is always some risk with any gamble and you must weigh the risk vs. the reward. I have scored some very nice coins for unbelievable prices, but also I have recieved a few dogs as well.
...reading all of this certainly can make one e-bay shy to say the least. myself? i'd sooner deal with reputable
experienced people and dealers. i know many here have had good luck and pay-pal backs up sales etc. but the
place isn't for me.
I had a guy sell me a 3G Ipad New and sealed, said 3G all over the auction and no returns. He sent me a Wi-Fi and would not take it back. This is still pending with American Express. Paypal ruled for the seller because there were no returns. Said it was not a "major" difference.
Then you sometimes get great deals like this one ( I won't post the price as it would only upset some people they did not see it first)
The bottom line with Ebay is buyer beware, I will be interesting to see if the seller takes it back or how Paypal rules for you.
The one lesson I have learned is never use paypal funds. Creditcard recourse is the best.
Buying top quality Seated Dimes in Gem BU and Proof.
Buying great coins - monster eye appeal only.