Buying Gold & Silver on eBay: Spotting Fakes, Loss Leaders, and Smart Strategies

Podcasts > Hard Money Matters

Hard Money Matters is a weekly radio program originating from Sarasota, Florida and featuring John Maben of Pegasus Coin & Jewelry, and hosted by overnight talk show host Kyle Warren. Each week John and Kyle discuss the precious coin and jewelry marketplace, how it fits into the contemporary investment world and how folks can access the large inventory Pegasus has to offer

The show airs Saturday afternoons at noon on AM 930 The Answer in Sarasota. Listen each week LIVE here, call John at Pegasus Coin & Jewelry at 941-725-6100, visit their website

https://www.pegavault.com/

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Friday, March 20, 2026

In this episode of Hard Money Matters, host Kyle Warren and renowned numismatist John Maben continue their discussion on buying and selling coins and precious metals on eBay. They break down the red flags of deals that seem too good to be true—ranging from outright counterfeits (like gold offered far below spot price) to suspiciously low but potentially legitimate offers from high-volume sellers that often come with purchase limits because platforms like eBay or Costco use bullion as a loss leader to attract big-spending customers. The pair emphasizes the importance of checking seller feedback and longevity, while cautioning that even established accounts can be shut down and reappear under new names. They compare online-only sellers to brick-and-mortar dealers, highlighting the value of building face-to-face relationships for better service, fewer restrictions, and peace of mind—even if it means paying a small premium. Additional topics include realistic expectations for product images (stock photos vs. actual items), response times and shipping (Amazon has raised the bar, but most sellers can’t match it), and current market conditions, with gold and silver recently dipping amid Middle East tensions and Fed decisions, potentially creating buying opportunities for the patient and bold. As always, the show reminds listeners that precious metals involve risk and are not regulated like securities.