How do you guys ship bulk coins over long distances?

hamiltonjh

We're headed back to the states in October. Got my collection to ship back, of course. It's small and in a small safe.

When I came over here, my collection was a bit smaller, so I stuffed some towells in the safe to take up unused space in an attempt to keep them from flying around in there and keep the storage boxes closed IN the safe so they wouldnt open and slabbed and 2X2'ed coins from flying around.

So, with the upcoming move, and considering how I'm gonna prepare to ship them again, I'm wondering what someone else might do to ship coins in bulk to keep them from damage.

If you have a bulk shipment for moving, or some that you sold or whatever, how do you pack/prepare the coins to ship?

hamiltonjh

ttt

nobody wants to share shippin methods?

Guess I'll just stuff a towell in there again, tape the holders with the slabs shut and ship'em out.

BAJJERFAN

I would consider sending them to a trustworthy friend in a few smaller packages using registered mail.

hamiltonjh

Not a bad idea, i'll consider that

but, I have no friends

LanLord

I don't know about the answer to the entire problem, but using clear shipping tape to tape the plastic slab boxes closed and perhaps a piece of thin foam inside to keep the slabs from rattling sounds like a good starting point.

How much excess space will you have in your safe when all the containers are packed into it? Is it reasonable to fill your empty spaces with books and other numismatic paraphanailia?

LanLord

Also, do you need to pickup the shipping cost or does the military cover that for you?

Just curious.

hamiltonjh

The military pays for it, as long as I dont go over my allowed weight allowance, which shouldnt be a problem.

the foam sounds like a good idea too. It's a small safe, so books wont fit. Not that I have that many coins, but just the size.

100proof1957

if you have any doubts about security,the other guys are right,several small parcels,registered mail to a trusted accomplice er friend !

hamiltonjh

They inventory the stuff well, and i'm going to take pix of everything. They wont put WHAT is in the safe. They'll just put "safe" or something on the inventory form. When they box and crate the stuff, they put a security seal on it.

I've never lost anything when moving, but thats not to say it doesnt happen, of course.

BAJJERFAN

Maybe if you time it right the post office you send it to will hold it for a few extra days.

hamiltonjh

that wont work. we're staying in Japan for about 2 weeks after the stuff gets sent outta here. We're going to visit the in-laws, so the stuff will be well on the way before we go gear up and head back.

Another good idea though. i'm gonna keep all these in mind for next time.

billboat

When I was growing up in a career military family and later while on active duty I learned that one does not ship valuables in household goods (which takes a fair amount of time to arrive) or in other pre-PCS unaccompanied baggage, inventoried or not. As I recall, these shipments are paid for by Uncle Sam but packed and handled by private contractors. I would ship the coins registered to someone I trust or hand carry them (Not in your checked luggage!) stash the books in the empty safe and let the movers have at it.

hamiltonjh

hmmmm

you guys are very pro-shipping them thru the mail, registered/insured and whatever else of course.

I was even thinking about hand carrying them in my briefcase or backpack, if I could. Just make the briefcase a hellofalot heavier

LincolnCentMan

UPS Ground. I used to ship bags of 5000 wheats with that method. That ended up being 35lbs, and it usually cost me $16. That was before gas prices went through the roof, though. I suspect it's more now.

David

hamiltonjh

i cant ship ground from overseas. I dont have any airtites

LincolnCentMan

Sorry,

I just read the title. If you're travleing back, why not take them as a carry-on? That's what I'd do. All of my coins weigh about 15-20lbs, and they'll fit into one leather bag that I have that's about 4x14x12.

David

hamiltonjh

Thinkin about it, thats probably what I'll do. I dont have a huge collection and can probably wrap them well enough in bundles and carry them.

it's the safe thats heavy, not the coins, and I just dont want the slabs dinged up but more importantly, the coins rubbin on eachother

dimples

John, I'll volunteer for this very important task. Just ship them registered mail to me.

PhillyJoe

I would prefer to keep my best coins with me, however:
Can you ship them registered to your new base, px or local post office with instructions to sign for and hold?
A family member in the States who could receive and hold until you arrive, then forward to you.
Ship them to a dealer or forum member near your new location. Check the PCGS dealers site and make arrangements
ahead of time. A dealer will have a large safe on the premises for safe keeping and this will get you in his store.

Joe

BAJJERFAN

Dimples is a great guy. I would consider his offer.

kranky

Do you know what post office you will be near when you get back? You might try mailing them to yourself at that PO in care of General Delivery. It's held at the PO for 30 days and you show ID to pick it up. You'd need to verify in advance if your chosen PO accepts General Delivery mail (most do, but some don't).