Safely Buying Artifacts On Ebay

[Kansas Creekwalker]

It's a sad fact that there are at least as many, if not more "fakes" on eBay as authentic artifacts. Another sad fact is there are more crooks issuing fake COA'S than ever before. The crooks that knowingly sell fake artifacts use those guys that paper anything for a buck to add an aura of legitimacy to their bad artifact. This appeals especially to the new collector, thinking that they have just scored the deal of a lifetime, buying a perfect G-10 four inch Clovis with dual or triple papers for $200.00. It is even worse down the line when that same collector realizes that his $10,000 collection is worth 150 bucks.
I understand why the crooks do it, I have been watching several of them for quite some time. They make thousands of dollars a week. The crooks that are offering fake COA'S also make thousands a week, so it's not going to stop anytime soon.
So what do you do? Well first of all, what you don't do is accuse the crooks by name unless you like spending time and money in court. Don't think these criminals are going to give up without a fight....there is way too much money involved. What you do is this, educate yourself ,this takes time, and at the beginning is frustrating, but soon enough things will start to "click". Second find out who the good guys are.....there are plenty of them.....buy from the good guys.... no you won't find a 4" Clovis for $200.00 but years down the road you will have a good clean collection. Also find out who issues good COA'S and who issues worthless COA'S. There are a lot of guys on eBay who are just now taking steps to discredit the crook sellers and those that issue fake COA'S.
Finally don't get in a all fired hurry,years from now there will still be good artifacts to add to your collection, take your time at the first and build a good collection....you will be glad you did.











4

[gregszybala]

Todd is a good guy.

[Hi-Lo]

As stated above be sure to do your research.
I have purchased from the following individual on eBay. Todd is a person that I would recommend doing business with as he is knowledgeable and trustworthy.

http://www.ebay.com/usr/allpointscovered?_trksid=p2047675.l2559

http://www.allpointscovered.com/

[Ftperry]

Watch for patterns among sellers and authenticators. Many of the biggest dealers in fakes use the same authenticator over and over. Right now you can find Baker COA's accompanying many of the worst offenders.

[Havenhunter]

It's easy to do and most of us have fallen victim to those awesome points we will never find close to home. South Fork made a good point-- shop on this site & develop trusting relationships with a handful of dealers.

[-=METACOM=-]

Very helpful advice from everyone. I'll stick to my region, I was buying from everywhere and I get what you're saying. I've already bought five or so. I have a very itchy trigger finger.

[TSUMS]

EBay can be great for buying artifacts...just stick to types you know and area's where they are from .. on the other hand there can be fakes and items that are way overpriced... and senseless bidding on items that are not worth the money they are getting..

[south fork]

why not buy on here e-bay is loaded with fakes .Welcome to the Arrowheads.com Stores Artifacts Sales gallery, the number one website in the world for prehistoric ancient Native American Indian artifacts, relics and arrowheads. We are excited to be able to offer collectors this venue for locating and acquiring guaranteed authentic artifacts for their collections, and we hope your shopping experience here is relaxing and successful. Our stores specialize in the following relics:

• Arrowheads
• Axes
• Celts
• Bannerstones
• Birdstones
• Discoidals

• Gorgets
• Pendants
• Pipes
• Plummets
• Pottery and many other specialty items.

[Havenhunter]

OH, and ships from India too! The heart of Clovis country! At least no one has bid so far.

[clambellies]

Most of the fakes are probably high end Axes, Celts, long lanceolate points and Clovis points. You paid a good fair price for the point that you bought, and points of that grade are probably a pretty safe purchase. Not too many unscrupulous knappers are going to take the time and effort to fake a $25 piece. Do check the eBay feedbacks of the sellers, and if you have bought from a reputable person, stick with him.

[gregszybala]

Here is a link to someone selling "Very Fine Authentic Indiana Hornstone Flint Clovis Point Arrowheads Artifacts"
I notified ebay about 2 weeks ago but the sales of these are still up and still listed the same.
You got to watch ebay
What Kyflintguy is spot on.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Very-Fine-Authentic-Indiana-Hornstone-Flint-Clovis-Point-Arrowheads-Artifacts-/291989270488?hash=item43fbeaafd8:g:-LsAAOSwo4pYV77c

[CoachG]

I'll just say not all A.A.C.A. can be trusted sellers. Very risky these days.

[-=METACOM=-]

It was listed as a Uvalde point.

[Kyflintguy]

Texas is not my area of knowledge but I see no obvious red flags, price seems reasonable for a point that size ... What is that? a Pernadales?

[Havenhunter]

As Josh said and I agree about sticking to artifacts & materials from our own regions. Virginia is too far from Texas to make a call on your purchase. Good luck and happy hunting. It's the best addiction ever.