Fugio on Ebay....will someone be disappointed?

okracer · February 12, 2011 6:41AM

A Fugio Cent for sale on Ebay.

Check the link:

Looked to strange to me, and see all the messages at the bottom of the listing.

Fugio on Ebay

(sorry if this has been posted already)

ColonialCoinUnion · February 12, 2011 6:44AM

It's an obvious modern reproduction.

lkenefic · February 12, 2011 6:59AM

He's updated his auction, but he's still hedging his bets.

okracer · February 12, 2011 7:06AM

<< He's updated his auction, but he's still hedging his bets. >>

.......but that doesn't help the ones who have already bid, and are just sitting back.......

TexasNationals · February 12, 2011 7:10AM

I sent him a message to pull it as updating it after there are bids up to $585 is just wrong. He needs to pull it or someone needs to go put a 10k bid in and not pay. If he wants to play games then someone needs to play back!

okracer · February 12, 2011 8:39AM

Now he added this:

"On Feb-12-11 at 13:42:09 PST, seller added the following information:

This is evidently a CONTROVERSIAL COIN. I've recevied a myriad of messages regarding this piece, far too many to continue posting. Everything from believing it to be real, to it being too good to be true, to it being a replica (the majority). I've researched as many current and completed Fugio cent auctions as I could. This example does not appear to be the New Haven restrike because the upper rings are too thick. This also does not appear to be a replica because there's no "replica" or "copy" stamp on it. I could easily lean toward this being an electrotype, although I have seen other electrotypes before, and none this high quality. So it may very well be that this is not an authentic 1787 strike, and I will not argue that for a second. The only certainty is that it is a very impressive example and a FANTASTIC REFERENCE PIECE. A bidder should ONLY bid here if they have never seen an example like this before, AND if they feel that the chances of another one coming along again are not likely.

On Feb-12-11 at 15:20:39 PST, seller added the following information:

This coin is not a modern day replica. It is most likely an electrotype, which will carry value, albeit fractions of an original coin. Estimated time of production mid to late 1800's. I have received requests to remove this auction, but the bidding thus far seems at a fair pace for rare well made electrotypes with no pimples or imperfections (and still at fractions of what the coin would sell for if genuine). See the below published article for more information on electrotypes."

llafoe · February 12, 2011 9:26AM

I wonder if the rest of his early copper is original?

mingot · February 12, 2011 9:27AM

The seller seems very convinced that if it is not marked with copy or replica that it can't be a modern copy.

JamesMurray · February 12, 2011 9:37AM

<< The seller seems very convinced that if it is not marked with copy or replica that it can't be a modern copy. >>

Its commen knowledge if you message one of these sellers they will happily send one without the "copy" stamped , no problem at all.

ColonialCoinUnion · February 12, 2011 9:47AM

<< The seller seems very convinced that if it is not marked with copy or replica that it can't be a modern copy. >>

The seller has no idea what he's talking about.

ecichlid · February 12, 2011 9:48AM

<< The seller seems very convinced that if it is not marked with copy or replica that it can't be a modern copy. >>

QUICK! Sell him a 64-D Peace Dollar!

CaptHenway · February 12, 2011 10:07AM

<< 

<< The seller seems very convinced that if it is not marked with copy or replica that it can't be a modern copy. >>

QUICK! Sell him a 64-D Peace Dollar! >>

Now, now.....I was being good and not responding to his comment that if it did not have "COPY" on it it must be genuine.......
TD

OchoReales · February 12, 2011 10:09AM

I just sent this to the seller;

As you have heard countless times before, let me say that this piece is NOT real, is NOT an electrotype and is a fake (even though those words do not appear on it). You have been told be enough dealers and well educated collectors tell you that it is clearly a fake. If you are an upstanding seller, you will immediately pull this auction and, if you feel confident enough, send it to PCGS or NGC for their opinion. If the auction is not pulled in the next hour, I WILL report this listing as a fake to Ebay. You HAVE been warned!

Sometimes I wonder if we should just let greedy, uneducated bidders have at it. It has been said that, 'A fool and his money, soon go seperate ways'! We can't save the whole world from unscrupulous Ebay sellers. These would be buyers have to take responsibility for their own actions!

CaptHenway · February 12, 2011 10:12AM

Just tried to report it, and the eBay report page was not working.
TD

coinguy1 · February 12, 2011 10:20AM

<< Just tried to report it, and the eBay report page was not working.
TD >>

In case you haven't already done so, try this link Here

I reported it and sent this to the seller:

"You are ruining your reputation among thousands of coin collectors and dealers around the country, who are aware of, discussing and spreading the word about this listing. The fact that you have updated your listing doesn't do any good for people who already bid (and it is not up to YOU to determine if their bids are reasonable for a copy or not, or if they would have bid on it at all, had they known that) or for those who don't see your comments at the bottom of the listing.

An honorable/ethical seller, when faced with the information and overwhelming evidence with which you have been provided, would end the listing and re-list the item, correctly and accurately, as a copy. To pretend otherwise, is dishonest and kidding yourself"

CaptHenway · February 12, 2011 10:31AM

Done.

TexasNationals · February 12, 2011 10:35AM

It amazes me that he did not cancel the earlier bids? How is it okay to let less educated people bid the coin up to $565, then say it is a fake (electrotype, stuck counterfeit, whatever) and expect the bidders to honor their bids. If he was smart, which apparently his isn't he would kill the auction, re list it for what it is and go on with life. Oh well, the winner won't pay rightfully so, he trashes his reputation and I block him as others probably are. I just don't see how it is worth it. I reported it too and it went through.

OchoReales · February 12, 2011 10:37AM

Reported!

JJHulin · February 12, 2011 10:53AM

Who regularly sells on Ebay and does not have a scale?
This is not Hollywood where any publicity is good publicity. He should take it down and relist with a reasonable description.

MidLifeCrisis · February 12, 2011 10:54AM

Greed makes people do stupid things.

In this case, that applies to the seller for the reasons already stated in this thread, and to the bidder(s) who ran the bid up to $565.00. Since the seller apparently started the auction at 1 cent, the bidders probably thought they were getting a rip on a great coin.

In other words, I think the seller is clearly at fault for allowing the auction to continue...but I think the bidders are responsible for their own actions - placing high bids based on two pictures of an uncertified coin purported to be from the 18th century, yet in pristine condition, from a seller with less than 100% feedback (not that 100% feedback necessarily means anything) in a relatively unregulated auction environment.

Listings such as this, along with counterfeit coins, counterfeit slabs, coin doctors, subjectivity and lack of consistency in grading (raw and slabbed coins), etc...no wonder interest in the hobby seems to be declining.

ColonialCoinUnion · February 12, 2011 10:59AM

I also sent a link to this auction to Numismatic literature dealer David Fanning, since his article was used by the seller to bolster his wacko position.

Teva · February 12, 2011 11:22AM

The seller has received numerous responces
to his listing and the seller seem to be very amateurish
in there approach to both ebay and coins.
Ebay will probably take care of the problem for him
in short order.

okracer · February 13, 2011 12:23AM

Still up on Ebay at $611, and it ends today.

ColonialCoinUnion · February 13, 2011 12:31AM

<< Still up on Ebay at $611, and it ends today. >>

I hope a Good Samaritan buys it and then forgets to pay!

determined · February 14, 2011 6:07AM

Glad to see it has been removed.

coinguy1 · February 15, 2011 3:29AM

The winning bidder has left positive feedback already, in case anyone else wants to contact him.

DorkGirl · February 15, 2011 3:45AM

It has been removed.

coinguy1 · February 15, 2011 3:57AM

<< It has been removed. >>

Thanks for the good news.

Fugio on Ebay....will someone be disappointed?

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