Hi Gang! Today I'd like to address the three more common adjectives on E-bay. These are New,Used, and N.O.S. (new old stock).

 First , I'll start out with new. My interpatation of new might differ from others, so please bear with me.

 To me, "New" means the direct opposite of "used". It can also mean new to the industry. A new idea, one that hasn't flooded the market yet. Sometimes it may be advertised as "New and improved".

 This is usually where a company or corporation takes an older product that isn't selling very well, re-package it and re-introduces it to the public. Same product, just different labeling. Again, this is just to boost sales.

 Maybe they should put "new and improved packaging"!

Anyway, I've always went with a new product is one that hasn't been used. This may or may not consist of removing said item from it's orignal packaging or cartons. I believe you can still obtain a new item without it's original packaging, however, it is now exposed to the elements. This is especially true with items that are chrome or plated. As soon as an item is exposed to the air, it deteriates.

 Next we have used. This is an item that has been used during it's lifetime. Usually, a seller will write, "hardly used", or "used but still in good shape", or something like that.

 That's not to say I've seen honest sellers shoot photos or post all the defects of a product, showing signs of wear and fading. I have. There are some really,good, sellers out there who make every effort! Great,Huh?

 Next, we have N.O.S. Some mystery here. N.O.S. means New old stock. This is where a company has long since gone out of business,but someone has found a product that was never used, many times still in it's original packaging, up in a closet somewhere.

 In many cases this can be as good as new. Only thing I can think of is age. Age will play a factor as to how long something will last. Many antiques can fall into this category. N.O.S. in this case, would be the best you can get in an item, because that item hasn't been made for years.

 Case in point- I've recieved models still in thier original packaging with the shrink cellophane,un-opened, from the '60's or "70's. Wow! We call this a "barn find". Meaning the "motherlode". hahaha.

 In coins, a N.O.S. would  be called "uncirculated". This is a coin that has survived the years without being handled by the public. A coin that has no wear to it at all. On the older, Morgan silver dollars, this is quite rare. In fact, I've bought many that claimed they were uncirculated, and had lots of wear. They lied. Period. People do that you know. It only hurts their business, but they don't seem to care, as long as they sell their coins. I might of bought many coins from these fellas, if they only told the truth!

 Anyway, I hope this gives you some insight on New,Used and N.O.S. Thank you very much! Mike