Coin listings

[user7586954857]

There are a very large number of listings that just show a photo. Descriptions are one sentence, or a lot of unessential info about that general kind of coin. Please note that most photos DO NOT TELL THE WHOLE STORY. Descriptions are best if they include: how much of "LIBERTY" shows, defects, suspected cleaning, coloration, etc.

I have passed on buying many, many coins because this kind of info is missing. See ANA Code of Ethics.

[coolections]

That has been happening since day one of Ebay. Not much you can do but to keep searching until you find a seller who is not lazy or not trying to deceive.

[chrysylys]

---

@user7586954857 wrote:

I have passed on buying many, many coins because this kind of info is missing.

---

I do that a lot on items all sorts of categories.  On a rare occasion, I'll drop a note to the seller telling them why I passed them by.

[ozarkjoe]

One of my favorite sellers has no descriptions from his coins but I can get enough info from his pics and listing title.  The bargain prices keep me buying from him and he has great ratings from his buyers.   I think he does this to save on time.  I only expect more details for the higher priced items.

[rustictrollop]

---

@chrysylys wrote:

---

@user7586954857 wrote:

I have passed on buying many, many coins because this kind of info is missing.

---

I do that a lot on items all sorts of categories.  On a rare occasion, I'll drop a note to the seller telling them why I passed them by.

---

I've inherited a number of wonderful coin collections from family members, and have wanted to post the items here, for example the Morgan dollars, some extremely rare paper money, etc.  I was only ever a hobby numismalist, and learned what I could, but to become an expert takes lots of experience and research.  The best I would be able to do is post some good pics and minimal, but honest information according to my (very low) level of expertise.  So yes, I'm that Ludite who you would either hit the back button on, or buy up the coins realizing that I really don't have a clue as to the value.  So for now, I keep them safe and stored properly, when really, they should be in the hands of true collectors who would enjoy such items.

I have from time to time sold, some coins to roadshow re-sellers who come to town looking for inventory, but being one-on-one is very different from selling here.  I can look them in the eyes and know just enough to know when they are attempting to rip me off.  And when they react a particular way, are quick to check the item on their computer (using eBay of course), then hand me their business card saying "please call me if you change your mind", I know it is something valuable that would sell well here.

[ted_200]

Descriptions are best if they include: how much of "LIBERTY" shows, defects, suspected cleaning, coloration, etc.

For the most part, eBay coin buyers are unwilling to accept these details as "truth", so many sellers omit all that and just refer the buyer to the photos.  If you can't determine the grade or condition issues from the photo, the photos aren't good enough.  All of what you just cited would be covered by accurately describing the grade.  I generally do this as well, but grading is subjective, and many sellers feel any attempt at providing that information just opens them up to future "not as described" disputes. 

I have passed on buying many, many coins because this kind of info is missing. See ANA Code of Ethics.

At one point, eBay had a relationship with ANA, via the CCW (Coin Community Watch, or some such name), but that ended many years ago.  There is no requirement to be an ANA member to sell on eBay, which frankly I think is a good thing. 

eBay requires  has a policy that says sellers must disclose all that is known about the item... condition, cleaning, alterations, etc.  In reality, some sellers won't know anything about the item, and other sellers will intentionally avoid discussing those things, and there is no good way to tell the two apart.  Not that it matters, eBay does not enforce policy in the category anyhow, it is just loaded with counterfeit items and listings with stock photos, and that would be the EASY stuff to enforce. 

[ted_200]

I have from time to time sold, some coins to roadshow re-sellers who come to town looking for inventory, but being one-on-one is very different from selling here.  I can look them in the eyes and know just enough to know when they are attempting to rip me off. 

Frankly, that is a much trickier and potentially hazardous to your wallet proposition than selling coins on eBay.  In most cases, you can realize more money selling them here than selling them at wholesale prices to dealers... the primary exception being higher value low-margin items (bullion)... and that's with the person doing the selling knowing exactly what they're doing.  The travelling "we buy coin" shows are notorious for offering exceptionally poor money for coins. 

At the very least, it's better to shop them around at a coin show that is sponsored by a local coin club and is attended by dealers from the immediate area.  Get multiple quotes still. 

[sin-n-dex]

---

@user7586954857 wrote:

There are a very large number of listings that just show a photo. Descriptions are one sentence, or a lot of unessential info about that general kind of coin. Please note that most photos DO NOT TELL THE WHOLE STORY. Descriptions are best if they include: how much of "LIBERTY" shows, defects, suspected cleaning, coloration, etc.

I have passed on buying many, many coins because this kind of info is missing. See ANA Code of Ethics.

---

@user7586954857

Coin and token seller here.

I use high resolution scans for the coins that are in 2x2's, with information labelled on the holder (which I transcribe into the listing when it's some kind of damage, just in case the buyer doesn't know what the code stands for, obvious to someone who grades, not necessarily to someone who buys).

For mint sets, I do my best to take pictures, but I describe any not 100% perfect items (tears in packaging, holder in fair condition, sticky PVC, damage to the coins even if visible to the camera - which I try to photograph as well to show the buyer what I mean, etc).

I use my high resolution scan when doing listings to look at what I'm making a listing for, and I only note anything that's not ordinary (like pointing out a grade is very low, the scanner is good, might not show how worn the coin actually is).

If you have feedback for my listings as a buyer, please drop me a line and share, I can improve going forward on my listings.

Kind regards, C.

[sin-n-dex]

@rustictrollop

Hi,

I work in a coin shop and sell coins online.

I can share some knowledge with you to help you get a fair price for your items. Feel free to send me a PM.

Kind regards, C.

[femmefan1946]

I agree.

A local dealer has a reputation in the hobby community.

If he is smart he will deal fairly, because word will get around.

Where I live there are several active stamp clubs and new members are quickly warned to stay away from the local stamp shops, who have built a horrible reputation over the years.

The club members will refer newbies to the quarterly shows where out of town and vestpocket dealers gather instead.

On the other hand, in our previous city, the stamp stores had stellar reputations (we were one of them, btw) and got referrals from clubs and collectors across Canada.

The roadshow guys are looking for widows and orphans. They buy estate collections cheap and often resell to auction houses and other dealers at a decent profit.

Best advice for collectors  : if there is substantial value in your collection have a written appraisal done by a dealer who is a member of one or more of the national hobby groups. Keep the signed, dated, on letterhead appraisal with your will. You may also want to indicate which dealer or auction house you believe will give your heirs the best deal on the collection.

[user7586954857]

I think that honest but uninformed sellers dominate ebay. Many just never think that their images are inadequate. My post is intended to be educational to them, as well as to promote ethical dealing. If we don't maintain ethics we are left with chaos.

[user7586954857]

Unfortunately I see many expensive coins without details. This annoys me greatly.

[user7586954857]

I appreciate your situation. However, we all begin in ignorance. Knowledge is out there in a number of reasonably priced books. If you want to enhance your coin sales and make more, I would suggest doing some reading. The ANA has a library for those who don't have books.

[user7586954857]

I am a little uncertain about what you mean by: " eBay coin buyers are unwilling to accept these details as "truth",." These kinds of details can make or break a sale. Yes, whether a coin is cleaned or not is an opinion, but how much of LIBERTY is visible or if the rim is dinged is pretty objective.

[user7586954857]

I tend to agree that Ebay is a safer venue for selling coins. Buying is tricky in all settings, though. Buying a coin at a show, I can examine the whole coin under magnification. Ebay is more limited for the buyer. Detailed descriptions help fill the gap.