Airport security and carrying coins

RobJoyce1921dVAMguy

When traveling with coins, how do you deal with airport security? I know from experience they don't like to see metal disks on the x-ray machine! I know there was an article some time ago that cited the federal regulation for a private search. Some even carry a card that requests a private search so they don't have to say it with folks nearby. Can anyone offer advice? How about the text of the magic card? Thanks.

Rob

ScarsdaleCoin

Hi Rob....

Here is the answer to your question:


I have found that the best way to keep your case contents confidential as to what you are carrying, is to present a 3” x 4” card with your business card on one side, with the reverse side up showing the following in large type; “I am a courier carrying rare coins, gold and jewelry—if necessary, I may need to request a private inspection as allowed by FAA regulation number #108.9.” Have the card laminated in plastic. Be friendly, but firm. You certainly have the right to ask for a private inspection, but the airline is not required to give you one. Be advised that an airline can refuse passage to anyone, with exception of a FAA Federal Sky Marshall. I would recommend that if you get an inexperienced security inspector, it is best to simply ask for the checkpoint security supervisor (CSS) to help resolve the problem, trying to do so discreetly.

shylock

My biggest problem has been traveling with a carry-on with 3 Ott Lites for imaging coins. I've always had to open my bag and explain them to security, they look like a trio of bombs under the X-Ray machine.

A side note: It's amazing how airport security varies from airport to airport. You'd think JFK in NY would be one of the toughest but they're on cruise control compared to some. In Spokane, a relatively small airport, they made everyone take their shoes off and run them through the machine. My flight was delayed 45 minutes there due to the security backup, and I applaud them for that.

Jdurg

At Philly International, the Thanksgiving after the 9/11 attacks, I kind of caused a commotion. I'm a type 1 diabetic, and as such I have to carry insulin with me at all times since if it's in a bag that gets lost, I could become morbidly ill with a high blood sugar. So I always have bottles of insulin and needles in my carry on. I also carry an insulin pen which has a needle tip on it. Let's just say that security there was NOT very happy with what they found. Sadly, the security people there spoke ZERO english, or if they did the accents they had made their english completely incoherenet. So they pulled me over and had the national guardsmen there with guns pointed at me as I tried to tell them what it was. Finally, they got a supervisor over there who spoke english and I was able to explain everything. Still, it was quite frightening and embarassing. Now, whenever I have to go on a plane I bring a whole bunch of documentation which states that I'm an insulin dependent diabetic.

Coinhusker1

<< <i>My biggest problem has been traveling with a carry-on with 3 Ott Lites for imaging coins. I've always had to open my bag and explain them to security, they look like a trio of bombs under the X-Ray machine. >>



Yikes!! Glad I'm not a coin dealer!! I'll keep my day job.

coinguy1

I have my bag searched approximately 1 out of every 4 times I travel with coins. In each case, I have simply asked for a private search and have never been refused.

The business card approach mentioned by John is utilized by a few people I know, but from what I have seen/heard, if someone is intent on searching your bag, the card means nothing.

Every once in a while an experienced screener will think or know he is seeing "slabbed" coins (or my lamp, which to some screeners, apparently looks potentially menacing) in the x-ray machine and ask if that's what I have - sometimes they ask discreetly and other times, more loudly than I am comfortable with.

The best approach is to arrive at the airport early, and to be low key, calm, polite and quiet. I have never had a problem.

Conder101

And you might call ahead to the airline so they will expect you and you can get your private screening without some loose lipped yahoo announcing to everyone that you are carring valuables. (It might even get you through security faster with less hassle and waiting in lines.)

saintguru

Agree with Mark. I simply look at the person, and quietly tell him I'm carrying very valuable goods and I'd like to have them searched in private. I have never had them not 'get it' right away...usually they have a partitioned area where they are very cooperative. There are a lot more people carrying valuables than you would think.

ccr

Though I didn`t request a private search, I was searched only once with coins. No biggie these days as I got nothing to hide ( or very expensive or real rarities ). When I do go traveling, I bundle them with rubber bands. So, in an X-Ray, it does look like contraband as the officer said they thought it was a small bomb ( had about 4 " Bundles " of 5 slabbed coins each ). We had a nice talk and wound up finding out that he and his brother where collectors too! He really liked my 1921 VAM 3 Peace Dollar that graded Raw as a VG.

saintguru

He was a GRADER??

coinguy1

<< <i>And you might call ahead to the airline so they will expect you and you can get your private screening without some loose lipped yahoo announcing to everyone that you are carring valuables. (It might even get you through security faster with less hassle and waiting in lines.) >>

Condor, I don't see how that could get you anywhere, with today's security screening and procedures. The individual airlines have nothing to do with the process, and there is no way to tell the screeners who you are, that you've called ahead of time, etc..

tradedollarnut

'Hello, Mr Airline Representative. I'll be arriving for my flight at 5pm carrying valuables. Would you please be sure to spread the word to all your friends in low places so they can consider this information and meet me before I enter security?'

I think I'd rather show up unannounced and take my chances on the ticketed passengers around me.

saintguru

Yep....nothing like the screeners 'hood waiting for you at the gate!!!!

Gonfunko

I've carried slabs through in a binder twice before and never had a problem, as well as a few coins in my backpack. I just wouldn't worry about it, and if they stop you, try to get a private search if the coins are worth much. There's always the option of just dumping them in the change basket they give you.