Online bidders should read service terms carefully (and often). Ignore sellers with questionable practices and patronize ones with decent practices.

Most Peace dollars don't tone well, but of those that do, most are likely from 1922.

Poor numismatic photography or alteration of photos remains an online bidding risk.

Even if you know how to grade, the best way to ascertain condition is to hold a coin, in person, by the rim, in good lighting. Bid wisely online.

While it is true that rules are meant for breaking, when you break a rule, you’re sometimes reminded why it was created it in the first place.

Peace dollars don't tone well. Tidy House Morgan dollars tone in spectacular colors. When you see a Peace dollar in an old Tidy House holder, be wary.

An original toned Littleton set (make sure it's really original) can be found at a bargain online, professionally graded, and resold individually at a profit.

Some auctions deserve to be ignored. Check out four important points Michael Bugeja looks for before doing business with an online auctioneer.

Original 1950 to 1955 Proof sets, packaged in cellophane and boxes, often sport vivid toning. Beware of tampering.

Privately packaged sets can develop pretty toning in time. Bidders need to know what to look for, as nothing keeps a seller from swapping out those coins.