There are many ways to buy coins:   dealers' shops, coin shows, coin publication ads, etc.   But in my opinion, eBay offers the best of all possible worlds for the buyer.   Where else do you have access to such a huge number of coins of all types and varieties?  And where else do you have such an opportunity to comparison shop, check price and grading guides, discuss with friends if you'd like, and take the time as you need to decide, with no pressure?

But there are many possible pitfalls;  many have been burned by a bad experience or two and sworn off eBay altogether as a source for nice numismatic material.    This shouldn't have to happen.  I've been buying and selling on eBay since 1998...I think I can offer a few simple tips that will guide you toward many pleasant coin buying experiences.  I hope you find them useful.

1.   Good Pictures are Essential.   In the early days, very few listings had pictures, and when pictures existed, they were often very poor.   Now that digital cameras are so inexpensive, every listing should have good-quality pictures of both sides of the coin.   Ideally, you should be able to grade the coin yourself from the pictures, or at least have a very good idea of what the coin will look like when you receive it.  If the picture is blurry and indistinct, too small, or if the color looks off,  pass.

2.   Insist on a Solid Return Policy.   Even with the best of pictures, there may be defects or flaws on a coin that won't show up on the image.  A slight change in lighting angle can either hide or accentuate hairlines or bagmarks, for example.  And sellers have been known to "enhance" images to make coins appear more attractive.      Be sure coins are fully returnable if you find defects or flaws in a coin that aren't shown in the pictures or described in the text.    And...authenticity should be guaranteed unconditionally, no questions asked. 

3.  Check the Seller's Feedback.    This is probably obvious, but it's important.  Don't just look for a large number, look at the comments themselves.  Particularly, if negatives or neutrals exist, find out what the problems were.   You want a seller who will "bend over backwards" to make you happy... the feedback comments should give you a pretty good feel.

4.  If You're Unsure, Buy Certified.   If you're fairly new to the hobby, and if you're buying fairly expensive coins, it's probably best to stick with certified  ("slabbed") coins.   But be cautious:  not all grading services are equal.    PCGS, NGC, and ANACS are well-established services, and there are a couple of other lesser-known but reputable services.   But there are also some others that may not grade by established standards;  their opinion is of little value.  You'll find this out when you go to re-sell.  If in doubt, check the service's website, and see what kind of grade guarantee they offer.  

5.  If You're Experienced, Buy "Raw"....if...    There's nothing wrong with buying "raw"  (unslabbed) coins, if you have some knowledge, and if you follow the advice in 1,2, and 3 above.    Very nice coins, at sometimes very attractive prices, can be found this way.  Most of my sales are of  "raw" coins:   rather than pay $30 or more to have a coin slabbed,  I'd often rather sell it for less to a happy customer.   Except in certain instances, you shouldn't be afraid of buying uncertified coins if you have the knowledge to evaluate coins when you receive them.   And don't be hesitant to return a coin if you're not fully satisfied.    The exceptions:  certain frequently-counterfeited or altered key dates  (1916-D Mercury, 1909-S VDB Lincoln, 1893-S Morgan, etc.)  should always be bought certified by a reputable grading service.   It's just too risky not to pay that little bit extra.

Buying coins on eBay should be a pleasurable experience, and it has been for many thousands of collectors.  By following these simple tips, it should prove to be enjoyable for you, too.  Feel free to write me with any questions or comments, and....happy collecting!

..Tom Savage  (LRC-Tom)