Wybrit -- I don't recall any customs duty being charged in the other direction (UK to US). Do you know if this is just an oversight or is US customs supposed to charge a duty?
All of the coins being offered by this seller appear to be unnaturually lustrous. On the farthings he is selling he notes that "These coins are offered to you in 'Very Fine' Condition and still retain their original lustre". Perhaps he works for one of the US grading services?
While much of what the public brings you to see may be less than desirable, have there every been any pleasant surprises where someone brings something really spectacular?
That's not a boast -- simply an indication that one shouldn't give too much credence on the grade that is assigned to a slab. All in all, I prefer the current British grading system to the one we (here across the pond) have developed.
Exactly. Here in the US, there are a number of collectors willing to pay huge premiums for colorfully toned coins -- most of which I suspect have had more than a little help getting that way.
Another high grade 1869 penny up for sale. These are said to be quite rare in higher states of preservation and yet they do seem to appear with some regularity. 1869 Penny
While negative seller feedback on ebay is a danger signal, positive feedback is no guarantee of trustworthiness as I've seen some of the biggest scoundrels selling fake coins and tokens on ebay with nearly perfect feedback ratings.