The Five Biggest Coin Cons

#1 Unsearched Coins -  U.S. Mint sewn bags and original bank wrapped rolls do exist, but they are extremely rare for coins minted in the first half of the Twentieth Century.  The majority of supposedly "unsearched rolls" on eBay are ready made coin tubes, sealed with a crimping tool and "seeded" at each end with a higher quality coin meant to entice the novice buyer (see photo #1).  Every used coin has been searched, for one reason or another, in its lifetime. What a dealer means to say is, "I didn't personally search it".  Of course, it has been picked through and searched a hundred times by people before them. 

#2 Unopened Proof Sets - from the 1955 flat packs (photo #2, Kraft style envelope) to the modern era boxes.  The United States Mint has never sealed mint or proof sets sold in envelopes (exceptions were the early square boxed sets: 1950 - 55 that were taped).  If someone is selling an "unopened proof set" it means that they licked the envelope and sealed it shut themselves.  Yuk, just think of all those germs.  Don't fool yourself into believing that you're the first person to ever set eyes on a so-called "sealed proof set" since it left the U.S. Mint.

#3 Stock Photographs - for early issue coins.  If you're purchasing coins like Morgan Dollars, Liberty Walking Half Dollars, or Indian Head Pennies from dealers that show you a "Stock Inventory" photograph (photo #3, stock photo from the U.S. Mint), you may be in for a big surprise when your coin arrives.  I've seen dealers that show a stock photograph of a GEM BU coin, but in the fine print it states that, "the coin you receive will grade "G-VG".  Even if they offer a return policy, you have to pay the shipping.  Buy from the dealer that states, "the coin you see is the coin you get".

#4 Enhanced Photography - for coin listings.  This is usually done on higher end coins (early silver and copper issues) to add artifical mint luster, intense color or enhance the detail (see photo #4).  Usually you can notice too much contrast in the coins devices.

#5 Cigar Box Coin Lots.  There are lots of legitimate coin lots sold on eBay everyday.  However, you have to be watchful for those that list the same merchandise over and over, week after week.  Even though the dealer may have positive feedback, read it.  You'll see lots of neutral or negative comments imbedded in the positive rating.  Buyers are fearful of leaving negative ratings, so they'll leave a positive rating with statements like, "Okay", "As Advertised", or "Satisfied".  If you really want to buy coin lots, look for original, single listings, with unique coins, and no stock photographs. 

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