I’ve been intending to do a write up on this eBay seller based in the Netherlands for a while, but only today have I found enough time to give them the treatment they deserve.
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| best66666 avatar |
What to do about this eBay seller? Avoid them like the plague!
Many of their item descriptions contain very informative vignettes about the history behind the items, of course it’s the history behind the real items, of which their offerings are unmarked copies. The boldness of the lie only proves the truth of the saying, ‘The bolder the lie, the more people you can get to believe it.’ Some of their listings include in the description such phrases as ‘We guarantee all the items are as pictured!!!’ which is quite meaningless as to authenticity, or even ‘Authenticity guaranteed for all items!’ which can still be ambiguous, because what is authentic?
The normal understanding of ‘authentic’ as applied to coins and other historic artifacts means ‘the real thing’ in the sense of, ‘made at the time indicated by legitimate authorities.’
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| eBay item number: 252378727350 |
If this coin were copper the weight and diameter could be correct. They neglect to advise the customer that there is no such thing as an authentic silver cash coin in any era of history. Their notice ‘Extremely Rare!’ is possibly the truest thing they are saying about this ‘coin,’ probably because they’ve only made one or two pieces.
Going back to the categorizations of what best66666 sells, we can summarise them by groups, and show examples.
Group I
Items that are numismatically authentic, but in extremely poor condition.
Group II
Items that are numismatically reproductions, usually made by casting from authentic originals.
This off-centre fake is an impossibility. Modern off-centres are caused not by the misalignment of the dies, but by the blank being off centre in relation to the dies.
Group III
Items that are modern reproductions cast or struck with a high level of expertise.
Items that are numismatically authentic, modern coins in decent condition.
IN CONCLUSION
If you are a collector of authentic coins, shop elsewhere.
If you collect modern reproductions, or are looking to fill holes in your collection with well-made copies of otherwise unprocurable coins (or coins you couldn’t afford to buy as authentic pieces), you might find something here.
If you expect the guarantees of authenticity from eBay or any seller on eBay who flaunts them, I expect you will get what you deserve.
The first rule of thumb in buying collectibles on eBay is,
‘If the seller has even one detectable fake in their auction, don’t buy anything from them.’
The second rule of them is,
‘Know your seller.’
Both rules assume as a starting point that you know your collectible.
If you are a newbie, ask a professional for guidance.
Most are willing to give it free.
I’m one of them.
Hi Norman,
ReplyDeleteYou are doing all of us a service here writing these articles. I was fascinated by Chinese coins as a kid and am picking up the hobby again. The fakes on the market is truly bewildering. I was wondering what rules of thumb one can use to determine a fake. I am able to detect some after some study but it's not easy.
Thank you.
Reading through the posts on this blog and studying the images carefully, one can probably come up with a 'rules of thumb' list. Here's my list in order of importance.
ReplyDelete(1) Know the seller. If it is a dealer, don't rely on his eBay feedback at all, unless you see even one red mark that has the complaint 'Fake coin received.' In that case, never buy from him, no matter how tempting an offer may be. How do you know a 'good' seller? Study his offerings carefully, or ask a professional whom you trust. If the seller is a private person, you're on your own wits.
(2) Great rarities will almost never show up on eBay. If one does, assume it's a fake.
(3) Common coins are almost never faked. Exceptions: Qing dynasty value-1 cash made as tourist trinkets with raised-dot fields instead of normal fields, and they are struck anyway.
(4) Even from a picture, fake patinas can be detected. Also, certain coins if they are truly rare, are not likely to be found in certain conditions such as extremely worn, or with circulation patina.
(5) Lastly, know your series. Get books. Look at forums and webpages like this one. If dealing on eBay, ask questions of the seller. If they delay in their response, or give an unsatisfactory answer, avoid them.
Hope this helps! Thanks for your comment.