Henri Charriere

As member Hog' has responded to your query, I should like to add a few observations of my own... Unlike social media platforms some of which have weathered withering criticism for their effects on the mental health and well-being of impressionable, young adolescents, eBay poses challenges of its own. Moderators here would be pleased to learn I use my time-outs and, at times, direct confrontational style, to give purveyors of questionable goods a sound thrashing. I single out sellers who use numismatic terminology loosely and irresponsibly. For example, "very rare," "high grade," "frosted gem," with what I call a "kicker" attached: "heirloom piece" "Only 1 left" to get you to hastily commit yourself to buying an ordinary, common, circulated coin. Recourse? Sometimes there is none because "No Returns" or "No Refunds" are interwoven into the -script that includes lines like "hundreds of satisfied buyers." Tap onto the tab marked Further descriptions and your ebbulient seller with the effervescent personality and upbeat manner will bare his teeth using disclaimers such as "study the photos carefully" and "the item you see is the item you will get." In other words, "I have given you all you're going to get. The decision is yours to make. If you are interested in a big ticket item, an uncertified coin coupled with a No Return policy, spells trouble. Ads placed by experienced sellers from reputable firms will be transparent and inviting; ads placed by otherwise unknown individuals will be defensive and put you in the driver's seat: you're either all-in, like "Jeopardy James," or out. I make use of the "Contact Seller" feature to cut to the chase by providing, in the case of my series, mintages and number of certifications and recent selling prices to justify my case for a lower price or a nominal percentage off the listed price. One dealer, who stood his ground, shot back: "We believe this to be the FMV for this item." (No Sale.) I asked another seller if the serial number of the bullion bar displayed in the ad (with an unusually attractive sequence) would be the one I would be sold. He skirted the issue by replying ambiguously: "Yes, the bar will have a serial number." This exchange went back and forth fruitlessly until I put my foot down and said, "You are being unresponsive," before closing with "and besides, the price of silver has been falling for some time." He did not like my reply and badgered me with a series of price cuts which I ignored. As much as I would prefer an honest and open exchange to one that is guarded, sometimes that is not always possible. The only way to learn how to swim is to jump in and get your feet wet and hope you don't step onto a sting ray.

Good question. There was a dealer I had acquired a coin from [as a happy, satisfied, repeat customer] whom I had asked to forward my coin directly to a TPGS for cross-grading. He complied and in due course called me directly to inform me the coin had failed to cross. My money was refunded in full minus costs. No problem, right? Well, there wasn't, until there was: I checked the eBay site, found the coin, and examined it. Up close. REALLY CLOSELY! I know the series I collect as well as anyone else does and own several at the high grade sought, MS-67, and -- I hope Kurt doesn't see this, was astonished to find the obverse legends and field battle-scarred beyond belief! And then, the coup de grace: it had been re-posted to their website and I was asked for a review by eBay. I did the unpardonable... I spoke the unvarnished truth! A RESPONSIBLE SELLER WILL NOT RETURN A COIN TO STOCK PRETENDING NOTHING UNTOWARD EVER HAPPENED! My editorial position, which many viewers may disagree with, is: I couldn't care less about the costs incurred in submitting a coin for re-consideration. True, certification (grading) is not your responsibility, but making your problem someone else's is NEVER an acceptable solution. (That applies universally to ALL "problem coins," and more to the point, counterfeits. Upshot: I was openly, unambiguously and shamelessly offered $20. if I would kindly delete the negative review! Bribery? Huh? I declined and did so politely. [The seller, last I checked, maintains his stellar reputation.] I apologize if I gave you the impression I was portraying eBay, generally, in a harsh spotlight. My topic was confined solely to sellers in "condition" locations, such as China, Nigeria and off-the-beaten track areas of the world. I undertook a "test-drive" of China via eBay because the product (you will see it when it comes... if it comes) was certifiably inauthentic and involved a comparatively paltry sum. [I took exception to another otherwise congenial colleague's broad condemnation of China because it made no exemption for Tibetans, the Uighurs, and the Falun Gong folks. It would be tantamount to those waving banners overseas vowing "Death to America" or criticizing 'Bama rushees.

... but... but... what about the 50,000 migrants here, 500 of them housed in a decommissioned state prison only two blocks from my building? Who's gonna pay for their upkeep... food, clothing, and cho-ca-la-tay bars the little Peruvian ladies sell on the subways with papoose latched to their backs???

You honor me as always with your sagacious advice. Rest assured the coin I have ordered can in no way be mistaken for any genuine counterfeit. The reviews, likely real, were of no concern to me as this artistic genetic mule lies squarely within the realm of hobodom, only larger. You'll see.

Yes, yes, single-issue voter, I know, but I am conducting an ongoing experiment regarding coercive selling tactics and practices and do not have the time (or the appropriate forum) to provide conclusive proof that the 1.2 billion people of the second most populous country on the face of the Earth -- minus a repressive regime led by a dictator -- present a clear and present danger to you, me, or anyone else, and especially so at our advanced ages. I am, however, obligated to defend (within Board guidelines) your constitutional right to express your views, and would so w/o equivocation. The "coin" is in transit. When I have it in hand, I will post the photos along with pertinent postal markings and accompanying documentation. Word.

Welcome to the Forum! It's a good thing you chose to update this topic with a review of submissions the way they once were handled, and the way they are now. I have long suspected filling out the forms correctly may be difficult for some resulting in frustration and silence in defeat. In that respect, an authorized dealer's assistance is invaluable.

As regarding the above, I shall get to it in a moment. But first, FWIW, a bison appears on the gold piece commonly referred to as a buffalo which, minted at .9999 fineness, is regarding more as bullion than a coin though it bears a nominal face value of $50. (Gold spot, hovering at the 2K mark, has been creeping up slowly as of late.) Now, to the matter of the above post... For the benefit of New members primarily, I should like to emphasize that due to the voluminous knowledge this seasoned member brings to the Forum -- which no one, to date, has challenged or contradicted -- and in view of the fact that he took the time and trouble to research both my past and present User Names and the historical names I had assigned to my set registry here, referencing his findings accurately, discreetly and succinctly with no malice whatsoever and a subdued dignity, I am constrained to regard his barbs as good old-fashioned jousting. I can only hope newbies understand and accept no offense is given and none taken in this, or any other post. Not everyone understands or appreciates self-deprecating humor, but it's okay. My days are numbered and, with Moderation's permission, I should like to make the most of them. I again, thank the OP and those who've elected to weigh in with their respective contributions.

Thoughts? Plenty... in no particular order of importance: While there is a mother lode of information apparently unleashed by a simple written query from an attorney in Illinois, it is not clear why, or on whose behalf the information requested was sought. [Bit of trivia: the Mint Director, exercising his franking privilege, replied via a franked letter -- solely on the strength of his signature, a practice that dated back to English common law that was subsequently adopted by the American Continental Congress in 1775 and codified in law by the nation's first Congress some 14 years later.] Based on the information provided in this official communication [typed on the customary "white" letterhead, in duplicate, using standard blue carbon paper and signed with a quill pen dipped in sepia-colored ink] the reader is given a fairly concise, precise accounting of the number of Trade dollars minted, ultimately redeemed [some 11 years after they were "discontinued"] and an exact accounting of what remained at large, though it appears the present whereabouts of the vast majority likely remains in the Far East -- minus certifications and those who follow market trends. Redemptions represented less than a quarter of all outstanding Trade dollars, as of 1898. Why the sizeable disparity in silver bullion prices amounting to a 25% differential between the various Mints and New York brokers, I leave to others to explain.

If that case fails to provide conclusive proof of where you stand on buying coins raw, in-hand and sight-seen only, I guess nothing else will. FWIW, the tooled leather-bound volume in a slip case that mimics a book on a shelf, can accommodate no more than nine slabs arranged in 3-3-3 rows per page, with a comfortable maximum storage space of 4 pages, or 36 slabbed coins. Very lovely birthday gift! [Quite belated greetings, but my thanks to Hog for reviving the thread.]

[WILLEM Dafoe (and Edgar ALLAN Poe)]

It's been a few years since I ordered anything from eBay but I receive legal notices from them from time to time which I pay no attention to. I know whatever they decide to do, they do not have my best interests at heart. However, disregarding the multitudinous complaints about the site as registered by credible members intermittently here, I threw all caution to the wind, took a deep breath, and plunged into the world of international commerce, buying sight-seen (which a member here stated is the case if there is a return policy in place). I was actually viewing tokens generally and before long ventured into Etsy -- and the wonderful world of counterfeits which only served to validate my opinion that no one -- neither young or old, newbie or numismatist ought to venture in if unaccompanied by an experienced adult. Case in point: "copies" or "tributes," by whatever name known. In short order, I found something that caught my eye and, "prompted" to Buy Now or give it your best shot (actually, OBO, Or Best Offer, I did.) We're talking minor purchase here, $19.99, exclusive of sales tax and shipping. It was at that point I was rudely slapped in the face. Apparently, despite the fact you, the prospective buyer, are clearly given five offers to make, some algorithm guy in Nebraska (presumably acting at his employer's behest) decided my offer was not high enough to his liking. He suggested a much higher figure [that "the seller would be more inclined to accept." I looked to see where the seller of the fabulous fake was situated and presumably being shipping from, and was delighted to see it was Communist China. Guandong, to be exact. As is my nature, I balked. I structured my bidding sequence mentally to culminate in the suggested "sale" figure. (The truth is, I envisioned a factory somewhere teeming with underpaid workers and figured the actual retail price of this semi-artistic work was pennies on the dollar, and acted accordingly). Not surprisingly, my offer was accepted. What was more surprising was discovering shipping was free and the response I received, in substance, Offer ACCEPTED; Pay Up! was astonishingly quick. I was informed to expect the item within a range of time of up to three weeks. [No problem. I was in no rush.] They even provided a tracking number, and a "sales tax" of a dollar and change, which suggested to me this was a certifiably fugazy covert domestic operation with delivery to be effected by rickshaw. Now, being a realist, I realize in posting this here, now, at least four charter members of NGC's resident Anti-Counterfeiting League have black-balled me (one of whom has his vomiting emoji at the ready to express his feeling as to my choice: giving aid and comfort to the enemy). Do I expect to receive the purchase? Yes. And if I don't? I will cross that bridge when I come to it. My sole purpose in posting this is best expressed by a man by the name of Frederick Charles Wood who, prior to being strapped into the electric chair in one of the last executions conducted by the state of New York, made a last statement to those assembled to witness his execution at Sing Sing in 1963: "Ladies and Gentlemen, you are about to witness a scientific experiment: the effect of electricity... on Wood," which he reportedly ended with a maniacal laugh before being strapped in. I will post the results of my eBay "experiment," when the results, success of failure, come in. One.more thing before I go... in another bid on yet another site, I discovered bidding procedures have since changed. For simplicity's sake, assume you are interested in an item and, factoring time left and the bid already attained, you tap the button to view bidding history and learn that while you were led to believe 7 bids had already been made, resulting in a paltry sum, say $35., you would assume $40. was in the realm of likely progression. WRONG! I was informed someone had already bid $55. and my bid would have to exceed that by an unstated interval. Being a New Yorker, born and bred, I muttered, "OH yeah"? And promptly backed out. Stay tuned for further developments and feel free to share your own memorable experiences.

[I would be remiss in my duty as a responsible member (and opportunist) if I failed to suggest my town New York, New York, as a suitable alternative to... what's that name? Oh yes, yes, Rosemont. Sounds a lot more befitting the stature of a U.S.S.Ct. justice, than Pin Point, GA. (no offense to the Honorable Clarence Thomas) but I digress. We've a bit of everything here for everyone. Just be sure to bring your armored suits and don't forget to behave yourselves on public transport. Maybe what I ought to do is make myself useful by giving the Moderators a much-needed break and work at putting out a special line of T-shirts simply reading, "I have been to New York City -- and SURVIVED!"] 🤣

I don't know from Marsh code but the denticles are very lovely. 🤣

The BIGGEST lie is "unsearched." In second place is "unopened." Truly unsearched and unopened rolls are those packaged by the Mint (or those contracted by the Mint, or one of its branches) which contain uncirculated coins of a particular date and denomination distinguishable by their crimped ends. The term "unsearched" is used exclusively by dealers to market their merchandise; banks never make that claim.

Hard to believe the "Live Free, Or Die" state has Times Square and Coney Island in New York City, and every other state and country in the world beat by its claim, but if my most recent visits to both locations locally are any indication, the boast is true. All the old-fashioned "penny" arcades are long gone. FUN SPOT... Nice denticles!

Talk about contributing to the "body of knowledge," this letter, some 65 years old, is a fascinating find. I believe it safe to say, anyone inclined to read it in its entirety will be amply rewarded learning something he never knew -- or gave much thought to -- before. Thanks for sharing this bit of vintage, Mint-related correspondence with the membership.

Wholly unintentional oversight on my part. Your wish is my command. I have asked Moderation to assist me with the exorcism of the comment. To the OP: I apologize for the intrusion.

I think it safe to assume there are two ways to address this problem... Confront supply or educate demand. The USG did this with drugs. And to no one's surprise, Ecuador, has emerged as the epicenter of all drug transit hubs. What's needed with coins is moving beyond mere control with reviews and education and eradicating suppliers with prosecutions. Without authenticated supply lines, demand will diminish as customers demand more information and enforcement. A change in priorities is needed.

Note: ALL objectionable, offensive, irrelevant, non-meaningful, non-numismatic syntaxes and wordsmithing have been removed to the extent possible, voluntarily, with an assist from Moderation.

For the benefit of the other thousands of Rooster collectors who give all Set Registries wide berth neither denying nor confirming they own even one of the 117,000,000-plus such coins minted, I offer the following bits of hard-to-come-by figures for the connoisseurs of this series. Generally speaking, they are now-you-see-it, now-you-don't. I do not believe the owners of Patek Philippe wristwatches or Rolls-Royce automobiles advertise their wares. Neither do the purveyors of these exclusive pieces, many one of a kind... 1898 [ ? ] FDC, mintage UNK, €12,000; USD 15,000; Matt blank USD 20,000. bdor.fr 1899 PCGS SP 63 Piefort Essai (no mintage/certification figures given). € 12,000; USD 13,400, upped to 13,607.40, OBO + $7. shipping, in early 2020. By WinNumis SA Luxembourg (Geoffrey Winstead@gmail.com) 1899 PCGS SP-65 pop: 2/16, USD 12,376.29, Walmart.com - 1/7/23. [In 1900, 9443 matt proofs were minted. Present whereabouts? Your guess is as good as mine.] And finally... 1900 NGC PF-67 matte, cert# 1997994-001, sale price: $24,400. It was listed on their website circa 8/7/19 and remained there for a year straight before being either sold, or withdrawn from sale. [The foregoing are the facts as I recorded them in marginal notes and any errors made are my own. Had I won the half-trillion lottery, would I have acquired this coin? No! Why? Not because I am a simple, former chiffonier (rag-picker) with simple tastes, now retired on a fixed income, but for no other reason than there is no place setting for it on any Set Registry known to man.] 🤣

Note to all members, guests, lurkers (and passersby by whatever name known) ... My comment, voluntarily withdrawn, was unnecessarily harsh and inappropriate in all respects. I have always held the OP in high regard, appreciate reading the results of his endeavors mining through the nation's archives and sincerely apologize for offending him, the Moderators, the Website Coordinator, as well as the sensibilities of those who read my baseless remarks.

Betcha didn't know that's the near equivalent of driving from NYC to the end of the Florida Keys -- one way! The Forum is not the same without an on-site correspondent. Wishing you all the best! P.S. Good thing you weren't tempted to pick up "Penny." The last thing a convention of numismatists needs is a Punxsutawney feline debacle. 🤣

At the risk of having a covert assasination attempt made on my life, I would "like" to know. As far as ownership, let's just say they act as one giant Safe Deposit Box. Eight U.S. Marines were ordered to enter and seize Haiti's gold bars following our invasion in 1915. It was transferred to a predecessor of today's New York's Citibank at 53 Wall Street. (A custodian showed me the empty vaults they were once secured in.) The story gets murky after that and was the least of the country's problem which was forced to pay France $2B in today's money lest they be forced go to war with France. A query on this subject produced several credible replies, but with no one left in charge in Haiti today -- its President assassinated-- not to mention a devastating earthquake followed by a hurricane which damaged the Presidential palace, it's anybody's guess as to where it is. Is its whereabouts a top unaswered question in U.S. "new-mis-matrix"? That depends on the mercurial mood of the Grand Master who sits on high in Virginia biding his time quietly [He told me, in essence, to Get Lost earlier in this column.] All agree he evinces a power far beyond those of mortal men. 🤣

Then again, the advent of the internet and a burgeoning "Information-at-you-fingertips" age having arriving, at no time has the illiteracy and gullibility reached its limits.

Oh, it's you! What a pleasant surprise! While I appreciate the veiled references you've lobbed my way, I thought I would embellish your vocabulary with a few choice gems as a public service. These include, in no particular order of intensity, codswallop, buffoonery, meshuggaas, tomfoolery, bosh, flapdoodle, folderol, monkeyshines, blatherskite, bunkum, poppycock, and my favorite, balderdash, which none of the papers I write to can seem to resist. A parting word of advice... if you possess any aurum, refrain from discussing any concerns over possible confiscation i/f/o a live studio audience. I value your encyclopedic knowledge of numismatics and occasional lapses into autobiographical mode and appreciate your sincere comments about my compilation. It became a sewer but the Ntional Register of Historic Places lists it as a cesspool. They're not sure where to affix the plaque. 🤣