Beware USPS “opened” my package and slab missing
manlye1
Posts: 227 ✭✭✭
Figured I’d let the forum know I recently purchased an inexpensive PCGS graded Jefferson Nickel (55$) unfortunately once I received the package it was ripped open and the coin was missing. The seller refunded me immediately which is exactly what I would have done as a seller, but it sucks for him and scares me with all the coins I send out under $500 which usually don’t have insurance on them. Great seller, that is the standup way to do business! Warning for everyone!
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I have not used those paper mailers in a long time.
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Always get insurance 100$ to 1000$ maybe more depending on the shipping company after that you may need private insurance. It offers peace of mind at not much more of a cost.
NFL: Buffalo Bills & Green Bay Packers
That really sucks
Student of numismatics and collector of Morgan dollars
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Dantheman984 Toyz4geo SurfinxHI greencopper RWW bigjpst bretsan MWallace logger7
Sorry to hear this. I had a similar issue with the same type of mailer occur on a recent shipment from the Coin Geek on an 1883-S Morgan in an obscure holder for my slab collection. When it arrived, It looks like a heavy item was dropped directly on the slab:
The slab was shattered:
Ben offered a full refund but I held onto it.
Tim
If the slab was just tossed into that mailer then it was tempting fate.
I would have put it inside a thin cardboard priority mailer (like the ones used for documents or cards) and then put that into the bubble mailer.
People need to be aggressive in preparing their packages for battle with the USPS machinery.
I had this problem a couple of times in the past. My mailman said it's usually a contractor employee doing work for the USPS driving a truckload of mail from one city or state to another.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
Hope it was insured. I had a package that was cut open and the contents were missing. I had to file a claim, what a mess!🫤😟🙁
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
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I stay away from those paper mailers; plastic bubble envelopes much better IMO. Also, if the seller went through ebay system, there is usually up to $100 insurance provided free, so likely the seller will be covered though it is a hassle to go through the process.
I do have to ask.... why should I " beware USPS" ? This stuff happens, with every transport / delivery service. You only have to look on this forum to find that out. The bad actors are there, whether with the actual company, or contractors. For the cost.... convenience.... usually troublefree service.... USPS is great. (unless you really, really like paying more for services),
And no... I do not work for the USPS! Things happen sometimes.... it goes with the territory.
That’s horrible. Idk what the answer is. At shows I am battling at least make the table fee. However my buys at a show won’t be lost in the mail.
My sister worked for them for a spell and she said the same thing. Our good friend says she sees is all the time. (Work place stories)
Your package looks like it was ripped apart by postal machinery.
Some of the packaging that eBay sellers use defies common sense. I once received a slab in a regular letter envelope with absolutely no padding! The fact that it arrived intact and undamaged was pure luck.
Packages need to be sealed with that reinforced tape that has to be moistened to get it to adhere. Once it dries it is like iron! If you are mailing something in a flimsy padded mailer then I would suggest covering the entire package with it.
When shipping in a cardboard box, such as a Priority Mail flat rate box I have taped smaller items onto the inside of the box before assembling it, assembled the box, and sealed all of the seams with aforementioned tape.
I received a package with four slabbed coins the other day. The box was huge -- probably 16" X 16" X 6" and the entire package was covered with that brown tape. I mean there wasn't exposed cardboard anywhere. I didn't have a knife with me, so you should have seen me tackling it with an automotive key. Lol! Once opened, there was another box taped with clear reinforced tape. Inside it was bubble wrap and a smaller box with more clear reinforced tape. The coins were enclosed in those folding cardboard slab holders. I thought it was a danged Russian nesting doll! LMAO!
On a positive note, those coins would have arrived if the FedEx truck would have hit an IED.
My Carson City Morgan Registry Set
I received a damaged package last week but good thing is the coin still there. The seller and I were both lucky on this one so we don't have to fight it over on eBay.
All the more reason to always ship coins in a box.
USPS thanks you. They make a ton of money on insurance.
You're also lucky since FedEx doesn't permit coins to be shipped in the first place. Your coverage would likely be nil.
I hate FedEx, as they always arrive at my home early in the day when no one is home to sign for the package, so I always have to drive 20 miles to a held location.
PCGS always returns my coins via FedEx. I think it's the only option they offer, and I hate it.
This bombproof package was from a well-known dealer.
My Carson City Morgan Registry Set
Is there an alternative location you can specify for delivery? I sometimes use a nearby Walgreens when I know I won't be home. So far it's worked, fingers crossed.
Also did you know that the USPS is now making "regular" deliveries on Sundays? I sort of miss having one day per week I didn't have to deal with them.
Yes, I use Walgreens 12 miles away when it allows me that option. That's where this last box arrived. For some reason, when PCGS sends me a FedEx package, Walgreens is not in the option list. On those occasions, I have to have the package held at the Fedex hub 20 miles north of me.
How does PCGS get away with shipping coins via FedEx?
My Carson City Morgan Registry Set
Those might be "consumer" rules. The very large bank I work for receives (and sends) foreign currency via FedEx every day.
That makes sense, thanks
PCGS even offers a certain address for consumers who send coins to them via Fedex:
https://www.pcgs.com/packageandmailcoins
My Carson City Morgan Registry Set
Well protect yourself or don't up to you. I prefer having insurance.
NFL: Buffalo Bills & Green Bay Packers
That does not look like rifling for theft to me. That usually includes a tear on the end or a slit with a knife.
It looks more like getting caught in a sorting machine.
Results are the same to you.
Then find a reason not to pay.
USPS didn't "open your package". It was damaged. Likely due to their machines.
Years ago, I bought 2 very nice coins. When I got my package, it had a slit in the back. Like an exacto knife cut. Not sure if it was a USPS machine or something doing it on purpose. Only 1 coin was missing but it was a nice one and I've never bought a similar one as the price and look on that lost one was just too nice to be replaced (and, I haven't seen the same grade look as nice on any other ones).
After that experience, whenever I've shipped in those types of envelopes, I've taken to putting strips of registered tape on the back middle...top to bottom and then maybe some around the sides as well.
I figure it keeps things more together and can help against cuts/damage. Haven't had an issue yet
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
I see no reason to pay them $1000 to collect $100 in insurance. You aren't protecting yourself, you're enriching them.
While I do think the USPS does a pretty darn good job, given the huge volume etc.; when it comes to their insurance I am very very cautious and reluctant to use it. Other than the 'included' $100 amount they allow on the lower price shipments. I have heard many stories on how difficult it can be to collect. Seems they make some demands of proof that are hard to comply with, and sometimes have to go several levels over time to get resolution.
And... like other types of insurance such as medical claims, many times it is rejected the first time. Usually just to see if they can get away without having to pay it.
Hey I am more than OK with you not taking insurance in the end it is none of my business.
NFL: Buffalo Bills & Green Bay Packers
I’m sorry but what I’m seeing up there is amateur hour style coin packaging. Anything leaving my house will be in much tougher packaging. Never less than a well taped stiff photo-mailer, and usually more like one of those inside a box taped with string reinforced paper tape. But hey, winning isn’t for everyone
Empty Nest Collection
Matt’s Mattes
And they'll brazenly break into Priority boxes too. DO NOT use clear tape on Priority boxes! SEAL the box like one has to do with registered mail. And make sure any slabs contained in the package are completely covered with aluminum foil to block electronic detection of exact contents. These are crimes of opportunity. One minimizes the chance theft by securing the package best as one can.
Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.-Albert Einstein
That looks like accidental damage by the handling machinery.
The coin and holder probably fell out and laid there for a while, waiting for someone to find it.
But by that point, once separated from the packaging, nobody would know what to do with it (except take it home as a "souvenir").
That is all speculation, of course.
I think there's a difference when they are certified. Anyhoo, ShipAndInsure provides 3rd party insurance for shipped by Fedex.
i haven't used paper mailers in years, boxes are much more secure
I've received coins from dealers in the small box heavily taped with fiber reinforced tape and the small box was then heavily taped to the inside of a much larger box using fiber reinforced tape. The larger box was of course heavily taped. The outside of the box was marked with some nonsense such as "mold test kit" or "computer hard drive parts". It would be very time consuming to steal the contents of such packaging and any such effort would be readily apparent.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
In the USPS Letter Carrier Handbook M-41 there is a statement saying: "Deliver Mail according to the wishes or KNOWN DESIRES of the addressee. Otherwise deliver as addressed."
I wonder if that handbook is still valid today?
Pete
Use mailing tubes instead of bubble wrap envelopes. Hard to open without destroying and nearly impossible to repair. My opinion is that most theft occurs due to package type and sender/recipient. Just think, anyone can find who is dealer so most anything coming from them or to them is suspect. Maybe someone should open a mailing service to prevent identifying the shipper's name. lol
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
What is the logic behind the double boxing other than withstanding shipping damage? I can't imagine a thief is deterred by an extra layer of cardboard.
It’s a lot easier to cut through one box to get to the contents inside and remove them (while keeping the box largely intact), than it is to cut through an outer box and remove the inner one (and or it’s contents).
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Better than UPS (brown trucks) ... 2 PCGS deliveries were lost in their system for weeks and then one was stolen out of their regional hubs THAT WAS send by an auction house
OMG ... My Mother was Right about Everything!
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Right, but you don't know about the second box until you've cut through the first box. So does the thief just encounter the second box and say something like, "Drat, foiled again! It's just so hard to open a second box, I give up!"? I think not.
This is how I ship anything over $250. It's solid and safe IMHO.
Cost $10.20
The media boxes are free from the post office and I have a decent amount of bubble wrap I recycle.
I duct tape the seal because the glue on the box is not reliable.
The only problem I have ever has is my package being delivered to wacky places and taking a bit longer.
Student of numismatics and collector of Morgan dollars
Successful BST transactions with: Namvet Justindan Mattniss RWW olah_in_MA
Dantheman984 Toyz4geo SurfinxHI greencopper RWW bigjpst bretsan MWallace logger7
Many of the insurances you pay for are a rip-off, and they'll just raise your rates if you make claims, or drop you as someone else shared. Usps priority and ground advantage supposedly gives you $100 automatic insurance but you often have to file the claim, then appeal once or twice, or the final office out of DC. I've been getting many of these claims honored. At a minimum these days, with my bad experiences, I'd ship padded mailer inside a cardboard mailer or even a box depending on value. When you're taking higher risks you need to have substantial insurance.
I think that most of these thefts are quick hits. They aren't taking the package home and pilfering it at their leisure. They're doing a quick cut/tear, and pulling something out. They need to be fast and discreet.
USPS insurance is harder to get a legitimate claim paid from than that crap Walmart tries to sell at the registers.
Having fun while switching things up and focusing on a next level PCGS slabbed 1950+ type set, while still looking for great examples for the 7070.
All these package theft reports have me wondering if the guy on the B/S/T board who buys the “piles of junk” ever has his stuff go missing?
These thieves seem to know how to target the valuable packages, what about the dreck?