Insured mail does not cover "COINS"...

ConstellatioCollector

I just returned from the post office. I was informed that coins connot be insured unless they are sent "registered". I have sent so many coins "priority" and "insured" and was unaware of this fact.

midwestcoin13

That is completely wrong.I know for a fact they cover coins.That person didn't know what they were talking about.

techeff

coinguy1

I think you were fed some bologna. But you were not the first to have been given bad information of that type.

midwestcoin13

did I mention that post office guy was wrong!

ConstellatioCollector

I'm glad to hear that it was bologna! She asked if I ever attempted to collect on the insurance? I never had the pleasure to do so! She said that the post office would not pay the claim. I have sent hundreds of coins insured and never thought twice!!!

Myqqy

I love how different post offices tell their customers differing information......

ConstellatioCollector

I hate being asked what's in the package. I hate divulging that information!!! Has anyone collected on the insurance????

XpipedreamR

How should one handle a postal clerk in such circumstances? Certainly, some must have experience here. All the clerks at my closest PO are really mean, and I'm afraid of them

CoinResource

I have collected insurance from the post office. About $120. You have to fill out a missing package form. They never asked what it was though... I am not sure if the form asked or not. -cr

coinguy1

<< <i>How should one handle a postal clerk in such circumstances? >>

If asked, I'd say "a collectible". If questioned beyond that, I'd say "nothing dangerous, illegal, flammable or against postal regulations". If that doesn't do it, politely ask for the manager.

midwestcoin13

The reason the person said it probably was because when an insured package gets lost it's counted against the post office it was mailed at.

bushmaster8

Unfortunately, there seems to be at least one of these USPS Missinformation Specialists working at nearly every PO.

midwestcoin13

We have one of those people at my p.o.

airplanenut

<< <i>

<< <i>How should one handle a postal clerk in such circumstances? >>

If asked, I'd say "a collectible". If questioned beyond that, I'd say "nothing dangerous, illegal, flammable or against postal regulations". If that doesn't do it, politely ask for the manager. >>

Exactly what Mark said--they have no reason to know specifics, and if they insist, you insist on seeing the postmaster.

That said, they don't insure money, as in cash. If you send $500 in bills, you're screwed if it's lost if it's not registered. Coins fall as collectibles, not money.

Jeremy

ConstellatioCollector

I think I will ask to see the regulation in writing, next time (tomorrow), I ship a coin! Thanks for the reassurance everybody!

midwestcoin13

I wouldn't do that if I was you.The worker might think you are threating him and he may have you arrested

bushmaster8

<< <i>How should one handle a postal clerk in such circumstances? Certainly, some must have experience here. All the clerks at my closest PO are really mean, and I'm afraid of them >>



I've been to that Midwest Station on Western Ave, and that IS a scary place.

That's where a clerk informed me that a "letter" can not be insured. "ONLY PACKAGES CAN BE INSURED! You cain't insure no letter!", she yelled.

I tried to explain that a letter can contain small valuable merchandise and she ran and got her boss, who then backed her up.

Frustrating!

midwestcoin13

Go to a differnt post office.

DNADave

I don't think you can insure "money" sent through the mail. You might want to insure "numismatic antiques" though.

midwestcoin13

The postal worker was wrong about coin lets not play stupid name games.

bgrice

The first couple of times I insured padded envelopes with coins inside for $200-$400 through the post office the tellers looked at me strange and asked what was in there that was worth that much. I told them coins and they have never asked since when I go in to send something. I'm sure I didn't have to tell them, but I did anyway.

Out of curiousity.... can the Post Office ask to break open a package if they think something is way overinsured? Say someone brought in a regular envelope with a piece of paper in it and asked to insure it for $1000.

sinin1

I have collected insurance on lost coins before.

When sending - I call the item "numismatic material"

They require verification of value - so I send closing price / printout from eBay and they cut the check.

I have also received envelopes arrive slit open and coin gone




The person giving you the bad advice must have thought "cash" which they do not insure

Shamika

<< <i>Has anyone collected on the insurance???? >>


Yes. A coin with a value of $50 was lost on it's way to my house that I had insured. The post office eventually paid up.

midwestcoin13

<< <i>The first couple of times I insured padded envelopes with coins inside for $200-$400 through the post office the tellers looked at me strange and asked what was in there that was worth that much. I told them coins and they have never asked since when I go in to send something. I'm sure I didn't have to tell them, but I did anyway.

Out of curiousity.... can the Post Office ask to break open a package if they think something is way overinsured? Say someone brought in a regular envelope with a piece of paper in it and asked to insure it for $1000. >>



No they cant it has to either tick or set off a drug dog for them to do that.

tmot99

Actually they can open any package they think is suspicious. My post office has a sign posted that they have a right to open any package. It has to do with the Homeland Security issues. I don't think they would open for insurance reasons.

midwestcoin13

<< <i>Actually they can open any package they think is suspicious. My post office has a sign posted that they have a right to open any package. It has to do with the Homeland Security issues. I don't think they would open for insurance reasons. >>



That's what I meant

midwestcoin13

They can also use it if they think your useing media mail incorrectly or if your using priority supplies on mail that isn't priority!

weresteve

<< <i>They can also use it if they think your useing media mail incorrectly or if your using priority supplies on mail that isn't priority! >>



Yup ... because of the contract work I do ... I see the daily postal e-mail newsletter regularly. They are using the term "Revenue Protection" to justify that as well as re-weighing parcels sent thru the mail stream that they feel might have postage due so they can collect the extra money they are "owed" as postage due. Of course as others said, there are also the ignorant clerks who can't seem to do anything right ... that is why I prefer not to use my local post office ... driving the extra ten miles to get better service.

Best example of local stupidity was when I ordered a mint set from the UK ... the substiture carrier didn't want to get out of their vehicle and left a nice brown slip in my mail box saying that the country of England had sent me a package that I needed to pick up the next day from my post office. The return address for the sender was on the back of the package ...

Steve

Sphinx357

<< <i>

<< <i>

<< <i>How should one handle a postal clerk in such circumstances? >>

If asked, I'd say "a collectible". If questioned beyond that, I'd say "nothing dangerous, illegal, flammable or against postal regulations". If that doesn't do it, politely ask for the manager. >>

Exactly what Mark said--they have no reason to know specifics, and if they insist, you insist on seeing the postmaster.

That said, they don't insure money, as in cash. If you send $500 in bills, you're screwed if it's lost if it's not registered. Coins fall as collectibles, not money.

Jeremy >>


So how about rare paper money as in the irreplaceable notes in my signature?
I've had the PO go through the same spiel with me at first, I haven't had to collect.. yet, but I don't see why it would be any different than a coin, it's a numismatic collectible.

Sphinx357

and they have asked me, but beyond merchandise it's really none of their business

midwestcoin13

<< <i>and they have asked me, but beyond merchandise it's really none of their business >>



Can you say kick the valuble box.

DHeath

g. Fair market value of stamps and coins of philatelic or numismatic value, as determined by a recognized stamp or coin dealer or current coin and stamp collectors newsletters and trade papers.

How value is established in order to pay a claim. Section 2.11 g.

Link to USPS insurance rules.

They've paid me twice. Once around $1500 for a stolen registered insured PCGS submission, and once to an Ebay buyer.

midwestcoin13

I didn't see anytihng about coins except one thing that doesn't aply here

AC7DX

Most of them can't find their ass with both hands and a flashlight! There too busy cleaning their guns in the back room
Government workers..........shish!! :-)

Neptune

i tell them 'nunya' - if they persist I say 'gift'

midwestcoin13

<< <i>i tell them 'nunya' - if they persist I say 'gift' >>



Can you say your pacage will fall off the backm of the truck

midwestcoin13

<< <i>Most of them can't find their ass with both hands and a flashlight! There too busy cleaning their guns in the back room
Government workers..........shish!! :-) >>



I'm being serious when saying that is completely untrue about then trying to find there asses.There is just a few bad apples.Of course maybe you've had a bad expierence.

pharmer

It is not any of their business. The question is inappropriate. No one knows I collect, and that includes postal employees. A new postmaster started here a couple years ago, and insisted on knowing the contents that I was sending registered and insuring for $9000. I look at him for a few seconds, decided this once I would say since he would be there from now on and was in charge, and added that he better hope nothing happened to them since only he knew the contents. I'm pretty easy going, but I see it as a safety issue where my family is concerned. I'm getting mad just thinking about it, nothing will compromise my family's safety. No one will know I have a collection, period.

Of course Jeremy and the others who made the distinction between not being able to insure money versus collectibles are precisely correct, and the question should be answered that way.

midwestcoin13

<< <i>It is not any of their business. The question is inappropriate. No one knows I collect, and that includes postal employees. A new postmaster started here a couple years ago, and insisted on knowing the contents that I was sending registered and insuring for $9000. I look at him for a few seconds, decided this once I would say since he would be there from now on and was in charge, and added that he better hope nothing happened to them since only he knew the contents. I'm pretty easy going, but I see it as a safety issue where my family is concerned. I'm getting mad just thinking about it, nothing will compromise my family's safety. No one will know I have a collection, period.

Of course Jeremy and the others who made the distinction between not being able to insure money versus collectibles are precisely correct, and the question should be answered that way. >>



If your sending something that expensive it is that postmasters concern.

Sphinx357

<< <i>

<< <i>and they have asked me, but beyond merchandise it's really none of their business >>



Can you say kick the valuble box. >>


heh, no but I can say drop the valuable package in motor oil and then run over it with a forklift
happened to friend of mine after he bought a note on ebay, he returned it and I'd hope the guy was able to collect on it, that's just rediculous

midwestcoin13

Now thats service!

Wisconsin

My post office also says that coins can not be insured unless registered. Where can the postal rules be seen to verify this?? I have gotten to the point of saying I don;t know what is in the package, as my wife just asked me to mail it for her.

nankraut

<< How should one handle a postal clerk in such circumstances? >>

If asked, I'd say "a collectible". If questioned beyond that, I'd say "nothing dangerous, illegal, flammable or against postal regulations". If that doesn't do it, politely ask for the manager.

I agree with Mark F. My Post Office here never asks what's inside after I give them the spiel about no flammable, no perishable, etc, etc. The USPS is BIG; There are bound to be some people working there who could use a little competence/HR training, just like at any large firm.

leothelyon

<< <i>I have collected insurance on lost coins before.

When sending - I call the item "numismatic material"

They require verification of value - so I send closing price / printout from eBay and they cut the check.

I have also received envelopes arrive slit open and coin gone




The person giving you the bad advice must have thought "cash" which they do not insure >>



I've had to do that! Get a letter of value from a well established dealer. On the form they asked what was lost and I had to list each item....let's see, there was a raw 1984-P possibly MS67 with 6 steps and so on, right up to the 5 raw modern date full step Jefferson nickels that were lost. I was sending them to F. Corso, by the way, our number two registry collector! Everything went fine, after I obtained that letter of value, of course. But yes, every PO seems to have that dreaded mail clerk who is painstakingly trying to do his/her job. I can't get over how many times I've had to repackage something because it wasn't up to the standards of that specific mailing method and/or insurance! It would be the wrong tape or box size or envelope..........just throw the blessed thing in the box, will ya? (Wow! There are no frustrated, hair pulling emotican here)



Leo

midwestcoin13

<< <i>

<< <i>I have collected insurance on lost coins before.

When sending - I call the item "numismatic material"

They require verification of value - so I send closing price / printout from eBay and they cut the check.

I have also received envelopes arrive slit open and coin gone




The person giving you the bad advice must have thought "cash" which they do not insure >>



I've had to do that! Get a letter of value from a well established dealer. On the form they asked what was lost and I had to list each item....let's see, there was a raw 1984-P possibly MS67 with 6 steps and so on, right up to the 5 raw modern date full step Jefferson nickels that were lost. I was sending them to F. Corso, by the way, our number two registry collector! Everything went fine, after I obtained that letter of value, of course. But yes, every PO seems to have that dreaded mail clerk who is painstakingly trying to do his/her job. I can't get over how many times I've had to repackage something because it wasn't up to the standards of that specific mailing method and/or insurance! It would be the wrong tape or box size or envelope..........just throw the blessed thing in the box, will ya? (Wow! There are no frustrated, hair pulling emotican here)



Leo >>



Some regulations are there for a reson and you should respect them.

midwestcoin13

<< <i><< How should one handle a postal clerk in such circumstances? >>

If asked, I'd say "a collectible". If questioned beyond that, I'd say "nothing dangerous, illegal, flammable or against postal regulations". If that doesn't do it, politely ask for the manager.

I agree with Mark F. My Post Office here never asks what's inside after I give them the spiel about no flammable, no perishable, etc, etc. The USPS is BIG; There are bound to be some people working there who could use a little competence/HR training, just like at any large firm. >>



Just a note you need to ask for the postmaster.

leothelyon

<< <i>

<< <i>How should one handle a postal clerk in such circumstances? >>

If asked, I'd say "a collectible". If questioned beyond that, I'd say "nothing dangerous, illegal, flammable or against postal regulations". If that doesn't do it, politely ask for the manager. >>



What's in the box sir? Why, it's a bomb! Yeah right! Good one! Great way to meet the local swat team! lol

Leo

midwestcoin13

<< <i>

<< <i>

<< <i>How should one handle a postal clerk in such circumstances? >>

If asked, I'd say "a collectible". If questioned beyond that, I'd say "nothing dangerous, illegal, flammable or against postal regulations". If that doesn't do it, politely ask for the manager. >>



What's in the box sir? Why, it's a bomb! Yeah right! Good one! Great way to meet the local swat team! lol

Leo >>



More like a way to meet prison guards.

pf70collector

That said, they don't insure money, as in cash. If you send $500 in bills, you're screwed if it's lost if it's not registered. Coins fall as collectibles, not money.

Send a Postal money order instead of cash. They back it up if it gets lost or stolen.

onlyroosies

I've collected insurance on a coin and they knew it was a coin. nuf-said

midwestcoin13 You highjacked colorfulcoins icon. Looks funny without his name under it.