eBay does not permit the sale of coins or paper money that are fraudulent or improperly described. Most countries strictly prohibit the sale of counterfeit currency, as well as equipment designed to make counterfeit currency. Accordingly, sellers are not permitted to list these types of items on eBay.
Sellers who fail to disclose information about the authenticity of coins or paper money, alterations to coins or paper money, or other information which may have a material impact on the coin or paper money value may be reported to the American Numismatic Association (ANA).
Please see the "Some Examples" section below on detailed requirements for listing Certified Coins, Raw/Uncertified Coins, Replica Coins and Replica Paper Currency.
Violations of this policy may result in a range of actions, including:
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Listing cancellation
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Limits on account privileges
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Account suspension
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Forfeit of eBay fees on cancelled listings
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Loss of PowerSeller status
| Certified Coins |
When listing a certified coin, the coin must be certified by one of the following authorized grading companies:
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Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC)
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Numismatic Conservation Services (NCS)
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Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS)
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Independent Coin Grading (ICG)
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ANACS
In addition, listings for certified coins:
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Must be assigned the appropriate grading attributes in each listing. Sellers must select the appropriate grading attributes within the Sell Your Item form, including "Grading Company," "Grade" and "Serial Number" provided with that grading.
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The listing must include an image of the item, showing the coin in its graded holder, front and back.
If the coin listed is not certified by one of the above authorized grading companies, the coin is considered raw/uncertified and is subject to additional requirements for their sale. |
| Raw and Uncertified Coins |
A raw or uncertified coin is defined as any coin not graded by one of the authorized grading companies. Sellers are permitted to list these items on eBay under the following conditions:
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A numeric grade is not included in the title of the listing, such as MS-65, VF-25, etc. A numeric grade may only be included in the description of the listing.
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The grading company or price guide is not referenced in the title or description.
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A dollar value (even if personal opinion) is not included in the title or description.
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| Replica Coins and Paper Currency |
The sale of replica coins and paper currency is regulated by U.S. federal law. Accordingly, the sale of such items is permitted on eBay as long as the following requirements are met:
Replica Coins
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Any "reproduction," "replica," or "copy" coin (U.S. or foreign) must be plainly and permanently marked with the word COPY.
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The listing must include an image of the coin reflecting the appropriate markings. Images that are dark, out of focus, doctored or otherwise deemed misleading are not permitted. Stock photos are also not permitted.
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The listing must clearly state that it is a "reproduction," "replica" or "copy" in both the title and description.
Replica Paper Currency
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Black and white paper currency reproduction may only be listed if they are less than 75% or greater than 150% of the size of the original item being reproduced.
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Color paper currency reproductions may be listed if they are one-sided and less than 75% or greater than 150% of the size of the original item being reproduced.
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The listing must include an image of the paper currency. Images that are dark, out of focus, doctors or otherwise deemed misleading are not permitted. Stock photos are also not permitted.
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Guidelines for coins and paper money sellers:
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Read the Code of Conduct for Selling Coins & Paper Money on eBay.
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Include all relevant information that is known about the coins or paper money; for example their origin, date of issue, and condition.
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Include a clear picture of the actual coin or paper money item that is being offered for sale.
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Include all information concerning any alterations that may have been made to the coins or paper money.
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Specifically identify every individual coin or paper money item listed to avoid misunderstandings about the nature of the items.
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If unsure of the origin or authenticity of the coins or paper money, please state this clearly in the listing.
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If members would like advice or information from other coins or paper money enthusiasts, visit eBay's Coins & Paper Money Chat Board.
Laws on counterfeit coins or paper money
U.S. federal laws strictly prohibit the sale of counterfeit coins or paper money, as well as equipment designed to make these illegal products. U.S. law also protects coins or paper money from counterfeiters. Therefore, these counterfeit items may not be listed on eBay. Sellers should be compliant with all federal, state, and local laws while listing coins or paper money on eBay. A few examples of the actual U.S. counterfeiting laws are listed below:
Why does eBay have this policy?
eBay strives to maintain a marketplace that is safe for both buyers and sellers of numismatic material (such as coins or paper money), and has worked with the American Numismatic Association (ANA), the largest nonprofit society in the world for numismatists (coins and paper money collectors), to develop guidelines and policies designed to protect eBay members.
