First, when buying coins do some research by using the "Advanced Search" feature found on each eBay search results page. With this feature you can limit coin searches to any Country or even any specific locality. If you are looking for coins in the Denver, Colorado area, for example, you can restrict your search to just that area and deal only with local sellers. You can also specify a minimum and maximum price you are willing to pay for a coin, buy it now only items, items with free shipping, items that accept PayPal and many other nice options.



When buying coins I like to look for reputable coin sellers who have a high feedback number and little or no negative feedback. If any negative feedback is listed, read it. It is not unusual for almost any seller who has made a lot of sales on Ebay to have some negative feedback, even if they are as honest as the day is long. There is always the possibility of an unpleaseable customer or rip-off artist showing up and it does not mean the seller is at fault. You'll find most coins sellers on eBay are scrupulous about grading their coins correctly and providing good pictures so you can judge for yourself. Be very suspicious if a seller has a feedback rating below 90 percent.

I have broken down a lot eBay coin buying research on my own coin auction website where you'll find up-to-the-minute listings of all the popular "Most Watched Coin Auctions." These are set up so you can instantly see what items in a bunch of different coin categories are the hottest and are attracting the most bidding activity. These are the coin auctions to jump on for some great bargains.

WARNING: Generally you'll find shopping on eBay safe and reliable. I've been buying stuff for years and have never had a single problem. Here's some tips to help you guarantee a good transaction. When buying on eBay always check a sellers feedback. I would strongly encourage you to use the "contact seller" feature to ask the seller any questions you might have and help you get a sense of their honesty and familiarity with the item. If you receive a vague answer, don't deal with them. If you don't receive any answer don't deal with them either. Also, do not ever pay for an item by wiring funds through your bank, Western Union, or any other money wire service. Never give out any personal information such as bank account number, social security number, etc to a seller. Personally, I like to shy away from shipping or escrow services as well. If you are a seller, be aware that fake cashiers checks and money orders are common and you'll be held responsible when the fake is discovered. PayPal is the best bet for both sellers and buyers, but not the only safe solution.

A neat eBay feature that not everyone seems to know about is the "Want It Now" service. Click on the "Want It Now" link at the bottom of a search page and you can post an ad for any item you are looking for. It's a free service. For example, if you are looking for a 1919-D nickle you can post an ad for it and receive notices from folks who might have one for you at a great price.