Don't get me wrong there are many genuine coins on ebay...However, there are many errors or coins that have a beautiful "natural" toning that are being sold on Ebay.  There is nothing really wrong with sellers trying to promote a product if they themselves are not experts in the matter and truly think they are selling genuine errors or toned coins.  In fact, many of these coins are being sold for not much more than a few dollars, and no more than $10 or $20, which isn't too high in relation the normal mint issues.

HOWEVER, many and I mean MANY of these coins are NOT errors or naturally toned coins.  It is nearly IMPOSSIBLE for brand new modern mint PROOF coins to become fully toned with a rainbow hue, or even one or two colors.  Many presidential dollars are now being sold with colorful toning.  Most of which I personally believe is not beautiful and represents more closely the holographic coins sold on CSN or HSN.  These coins are in mint packaging and all of a sudden have tones that often take normal coins years even decades to reach in oxidation levels. 

Let me discuss error and toned coins for a brief paragraph.  Error coins are usually a result of a worn out die or a sudden break in a die, however, there are MANY types of errors so this is by no means a complete list.  Many people think because a coin has grease or nicks in the coin that it is an error.  There are many types of errors but you must think of it in terms of rarity, not appearance.  The rarest errors are errors that are very difficult to identify, such as the 7 over 8; double mint mark; or double dies.  Most modern errors are not yet listed in guide books or in population reports because there is little known about these errors so early in history.  Numismatics is a hobby of a lifetime and often takes that long for coins to mature in value.

The manganese cupro-nickel combination IS very troublesome in that it tones very easily (read; stains or brown toning over surface even in mint package).  These coins and many popular series such as the State Quarters or the Westward Journey nickels are seen in numerous tones or errors.

To put it more bluntly, these are FAKES.  If you sent them into NGC or PCGS they would come back in body bags (meaning they are rejected by the company for any number of reason that are listed on the label stuck to the "body bag").  The coins are dipped in solution, dried and left out to begin surface oxidation.  These chemicals accelerate the process which normally takes years, allowing them to mass produce rainbow coins selling them individually for a premium.

The errors on the other hand are usually more clear cut, although less informed buyer might assume ANY error is rare and that buying an error for $3 to $5 is pocket change so why not right?

The problem is that most numismatists or collectors aren't experts in looking for errors.  Many errors being sold on ebay are simply naturally occurring problems with coins that are either somewhat common or quite normal in production of that coins series.  The difference?  common problems being the way a coin tones while in packaging (often times unattractively and therefore a problem or seen as an opportunity as an error).  The normalities in production?  Things like dings, marks or "cuds" as they are known are very common and would never be considered an error by any standard, especially when produced by the millions.

The point I am trying to make is that while many sellers offer coins that appear to have investment or collector value...often times the seller is PLAYING dumb or literally thinks the coin is as advertised.  Often, it is best to buy certified errors.  But the best deals on error or toned coins can be found in raw form.  Just don't tell me I didn't tell you so when that coin comes back in a body bag or certified as a regular issue from NGC or PCGS....because you should always...ALWAYS be weary of such rarities as errors and such highly sought after coins as naturally toned rainbow gems.

Have a nice experience and feel free to email me with questions.