I would prefer vintage Cas and BTCC over Lealana all day, for multiple reasons. To name a few:
- Lack of customer service by Smoothie relating to buyer funded public keys, when COA or paper key is misplaced
- Flooding S&B with "rare," unsold newer release items, or colorful firstbits for a money grab
- Smoothie not responding to messages, even relating to newer release items
- ETC
- ETC
I believe Mida on Ebay sells those redeemed items on behalf of someone else. Whoever the original owner was had a huge collection, but I do not believe it was Mida. My guess is he takes a cut on sale price and deals with potential tax burdens depending on Ebay's stance in 2024.
I’ve purchased several from Mida - many of the earlier S1 error ones that sold for approx $450 US each - haven’t been bidding recently as the ones now are selling for $1600-$1800 (although they are higher grades - mine were more MS64-65).
I recently purchase a 5BTC from him outside eBay and paid directly with BTC - no issues at all so I think he is trustworthy. Seems his supply is getting low so may only have a few more coins for sale - they were really great specimens.
SP
I never personally understood as to why redeemed cas go for so much. Redeemed brass cas go for more than silver 2013 bf lealana which is nonsense. Silver > brass 24/7/365, but I guess some collectors don't see it this way.