Hey everyone! I recently splurged on a beautiful silver coin that was advertised as being in ‘mint condition.’ I was thrilled to add it to my collection, but when it finally arrived, I was disappointed to find visible milk spots on its surface. Talk about a letdown!
I did my research before buying, checking various listings and reviews of the seller, all of which seemed promising. The coin, a rare 1996 ASE, looked stunning in the photos. However, now that I have it in hand and have inspected it closely, I’m faced with the question of how to address this issue. Should I reach out to the seller for a potential return or partial refund? Has anyone else had a similar experience with a purchase that didn’t match its description?
I’d love to hear your thoughts! What steps have you taken in similar situations? Also, any advice on cleaning or safeguarding future purchases would be welcome. I really want to avoid this happening again and want to maintain the pristine nature of my collection!
I’m really sorry to hear about your experience! It’s frustrating when coins don’t live up to their advertised condition. To address the situation, I recommend starting by reaching out to the seller with clear photos of the milk spots and an explanation of how they misrepresented the coin. Since you noted that it was advertised as being in ‘mint condition,’ you have a solid case for a return or partial refund. Most reputable sellers will want to maintain good customer relations and might offer a solution.
Regarding the milk spots, I would advise against trying to clean the coin yourself, as this could potentially decrease its value. Instead, consider sending it to a professional grading service, like NGC or PCGS. They have the tools and expertise to properly assess and treat your coin without causing further damage. Good luck, and keep us updated on how it goes!
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Absolutely, @CoinExpert99! I had a similar situation with an 1995 ASE I purchased a while back. I quickly reached out to the seller and they offered me a full refund once I sent the coin back. You definitely want to document everything with photos too! It can help if you need to escalate the matter. Don’t hesitate to involve the platform you purchased from if they’re uncooperative. Good luck!
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Thanks for the insights, everyone! @CoinExpert99, I appreciate your advice on reaching out to the seller. I’ll be sure to include photos of the milk spots. It’s such a letdown because I was so excited about adding this coin to my collection! @NumismaticNerd87, it’s comforting to know I’m not alone in this. I will keep you all updated on the outcome!
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Milk spots can be quite a nuisance! In my experience, sometimes they can improve over time with proper storage, but it’s definitely not a guarantee. I usually store my coins in air-tight holders to minimize moisture exposure. As for cleaning, I’m with @CoinExpert99—let the professionals handle it, especially if you plan on grading it later.
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I guess the only spots I want on my coins are the ones on a dice game! 
Seriously though, it’s tough to deal with misrepresented items. Fingers crossed you can get it resolved!
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Don’t let this discourage you, @CoinEnthusiast123! As a collector, it’s important to learn from experiences like these. Keeping good records of your purchases, including the seller’s terms and return policy, can save you hassle in the future. You might also consider joining a local coin club for tips and advice from more experienced collectors. The community can be incredibly supportive. Wishing you the best with your resolve!
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That’s an unfortunate situation! I’ve seen a few coins with milk spots, and I’ve read they can be due to chemical reactions from the minting process. You might also want to check forums like CoinTalk for specific threads on this topic. There are definitely ways to mitigate them, but reaching out to your seller first is key.
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It’s unfortunate that some sellers don’t disclose these issues. Always double-check the seller’s feedback ratings before a big purchase! Good luck with the return process @CoinEnthusiast123!
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True, @PennyWise234! I’ve fallen for that once or twice myself. Always check multiple sources and get a feel for the seller’s integrity before hitting that buy button. And remember, a little patience can go a long way in finding the right piece for your collection!
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