Ebay Trust & Safety has repeatedly refused to protect buyers from sellers that misrepresent their coins.  Counterfeits continue to plague the site.

There are sellers advertising NTC, NNC, and other unrecognized third party grading service gold coins and calling them "Investment Quality".  Sadly, numerous calls to eBay have resulted in no action being taken against these sellers.

One particular seller advertises these coins as High Quality Investment Quality Gold.  Common date numismatic gold has never been known as being a solid investment.  In 1980, PCGS MS65 Saints were selling for $5k.  Today, they sell for $2k.  A $3k loss, hardly investment quality.  The speculators are just as fickle with Indians and baseball cards as one seller is famous for selling. 

Another seller that specializes in selling gold uses an interesting approach to marketing his coins.  He circumvents eBay language to the disadvantage of buyers.

If the coin is PCGS or NGC, the wording reads "slabbed PCGS MS65 (certification number)"

If the coin is from an unapproved third party grading service, the wording reads "slabbed MS66 (certification number)

The seller also markets the subpar MS66 coin for $100 less than the PCGS MS65 coin giving the novice collector the impression that they are getting a great deal.  What they are getting is a commercial uncirculated coin, MS60 at best worth $1100.  This seller typically sells this coin for $1800, so the novice loses a quick $700.  eBay does nothing and when I asked the Trust & Safety person, what if it was your mother investing her retirement savings in these coins?  No comment.  What about counterfeit coins? No comment.  That seems to be eBay's position.

Does anyone notice that the quality of numismatic offerings on eBay has deteriorated in the last couple of years?

To all those that like the appeal of US Type gold, understand the following, just like any collectible, the Numismatic Gold market is quite fickle and subject to wild fluctuations, more so than bullion.  The $10 and $20 gold pieces have experienced a substantial rise in the last few months due to the lack of supply of bullion gold on the marketplace.  As soon as the supply catches up with the demand, numismatic gold will be very unstable.

Just be sure that you are paying fair money for your gold coins.  Shop with a reputable seller with a return privilege. Remember, PCGS Price Guide is for PCGS coins only, Numismedia is for NGC coins.  Any seller that tells you to refer to these guides for coins other than those graded by the respected companies is not to be trusted.

Protect yourself and your assets, no one will do it for you!!!!

Good Collecting.