I think from memory a forum member had a similar experience with an 1861 or 62 proof penny ,cant remember exactly what year.
Although that was just on the Atlas site i think , not an auction and was able to return it .....there is a thread about it on here.
The coins are no doubt not what they look like (either doctored pictures or conserved ) in hand but if you can return anything regardless of the seller atleast the choice is down to yourself.
As far as buying one in auction for a few quid without looking at it or someone else on our behalf we only have ourselves to blame.