There may be some LISTSERV problems. Ross' response was never received at my HOTMAIL address, only the duplication of it on a subsequent response. I did send an 'advisory' e-mail to the leading eBay bidder on a pair of "blue"(!) cowries. (A pair of C. moneta that had been acid-dipped and polished up were going for nearly $4 PLUS $3.50 S/H. Of course, the seller didn't give a species name.) Ross' advice is good for any of us buying things by way of such venues as eBay. Aloha, Bob Dayle _________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at http://profiles.msn.com.