Why Does Ebay Place the Prestigious PNG Membership Logo in the Listings of Non-Members?
Summary: certifiedcitynet raised concerns about the PNG logo appearing on eBay listings of non-member coin dealers and questioned eBay's handling of this issue, noting the potential for buyer misconceptions. oldwestgold shared skepticism regarding the significance of these logos, citing personal experiences that indicate organizational affiliations mean little in practice. They expressed doubt that most buyers understand the logo's significance. certifiedcitynet responded by emphasizing that some buyers do trust PNG membership and mentioned that some questionable individuals are PNG members. kensgiftshop asked for clarification on how membership is verified and if there is a published list of members.
The PNG logo has inexplicably been appearing in the Ebay listings of dozens if not hundreds of non-member dealers since November 14, 2025. The PNG (Professional Numismatists Guild) is an exclusive coin dealer association whose members must pass an FBI-style background check, prove expertise and wealth, agree to binding arbitration, and adhere to strict business standards. These dealers with the errant PNG logo ARE members of the CDN Exchange, another coin dealer association that has very strict membership criteria but not as demanding as the PNG's.
I know for a fact that Ebay has been notified many times about the issue since it began last year yet it continues unabated to this day. Why? What am I missing? I thought that Ebay was trying to increase trust among coin buyers. How is lying to them about a seller's membership in a prestigious dealer association increasing trust?
If a buyer buys a coin from an Ebay seller with a PNG logo their listing, he may be buying with the expectation that if a dispute arises, the PNG will intervene. How many buyers falsely believed this yet failed to have their complaint resolved?
kensgiftshop
·2 weeks agoHow do you know if they are a member or not?
Do they publish a list of members?
certifiedcitynet
OP2 weeks agoHeck, yes, Both the PNG and the CDN Exchange (of which I have been a member since 2011) publish membership lists at their respective websites.
certifiedcitynet
OP2 weeks agoThere are many coin buyers who put stock in PNG membership. They might buy items directly from a fake PNG dealer, falsely believing that the transaction will be protected by the PNG. Also, there are several convicted felons who are members of the PNG, not just one. Ditto for Roundtable, another dealer association, such as Mark Yaffe, a felon convicted of stealing millions form a bank!
oldwestgold
·2 weeks agoI highly doubt most coin buyers even know what the logo stands for. It is not needed at all since eBay has a strict safety net included for buyer transactions. Again, from 27 years of experience on eBay. Even I know what it stands for, and it means nothing to me as someone who continues to be in the industry.
oldwestgold
·2 weeks agoAs a (small) dealer for over 50 years, it's all about pay-to-play, as you well know. In my opinion, these PTP good-old-boys clubs mean nothing. These badges mean nothing. I am a 50 yr life member of the ANA and many organizations, with never a problem registered. Yet, in my personal experience, the ANA allowed a convicted two-time felon who served extensive time in both Federal and state prison to be readmitted into the ANA even though I brought this to their attention. This same person was soley responsible for a state reinstating a coin tax which burdened every dealer. One of the highest-profile National cases of coin fraud ever. Organizational by-laws mean nothing if you are friends of a friend. Just my opinion.