Good info... I think I'd avoid buying from ebay unless like you said they're an experienced seller or known collector. I'm sure learning to spot the fakes has got to be top priority when getting into this kind of investment. I watched a thing on TV about antique medals and was blown away by the detail in the fakes. I guess when there's money to be made, people will put effort into making their fakes look legit. You'll just have to put an equal amount of effort into spotting them.