Question on mailing coins

RobJ

I wish to mail via USPS or UPS an insured package of coins. Am I required to state the contents?
This is a first for me and am not sure if the world needs to know what I am sending.
Thanks
Rob

numonebuyer

I have never used anything other than USPS. I have sent everything insured. To do otherwise is at your own risk. I have used regular mail with insurance and return receipt to insured priority mail to insured registered mail.

Do a search on this topic and you will find a wealth of information.

wam98

My Post Office (USPS) clerks always ask whats in the box. Then they go through this long list of No,No's not to be shipped via USPS. I just say collectables and they're fine with that.

sinin1

I do not think UPS will insure coins - you need tio self insure

USPS is the way to go - only person to know is counter person taking package -

if value is over $600, cheaper going registered insured
lower valued - small package with high postage alerts thieves in system on insured package

need to say what it is on insurance form - I like big words -> numismatic collectibles

need to have proof of value when you need to collect on loss -

nankraut

As previously stated, USPS is the best route for $600 or lower value, otherwise use USPS Registered. When you present the package, just say:

"no prohibited-no flammable-no liquid-no perishable-no fragile", and state the amount of insurance you want. You are not obligated to tell them what's in the package. But, if they ask, just say "numismatic item".

Millertime

<< <i>I do not think UPS will insure coins - you need tio self insure

USPS is the way to go - only person to know is counter person taking package -

if value is over $600, cheaper going registered insured
lower valued - small package with high postage alerts thieves in system on insured package

need to say what it is on insurance form - I like big words -> numismatic collectibles

need to have proof of value when you need to collect on loss - >>



UPS has automatic insurance up to $50 (or is it $100) included.

relayer

"Is the shipment liquid, fragile or potentially hazardous?" should be all they ask and is all you are required to tell them.

ldhair

<< <i>I just say collectables and they're fine with that. >>


Same here.

stev32k

If you get a jerk that press you just them it's collectible merchandise. That is specifically allowed to be insured under USPS rules.

segoja

UPS has a minimum $100 insurance, but not for coins.

Call them and ask they'll tell you no coins.

I've shipped smaller values UPS and never had any trouble.

ddink

<< <i>need to say what it is on insurance form - I like big words -> numismatic collectibles >>



I'm very confused. The blue insurance form doesn't ask for the package contents. It asks for insured value, postage amount, name, and address. I've also never once been asked by a postal employee what's in the box. What insurance form are ya'll talking about? Customs declarations require you to state the contents, but the regular insurance forms don't even have a space for information on package contents (besides the check boxes for fragile, liquid, and perishible.

tedssupply

From UPS site

No service shall be rendered in the transportation of any of the prohibited articles listed in the applicable UPS service guide or UPS Tariff.

No service shall be rendered in the transportation of articles of unusual value (as defined in the UPS Tariff), including, but not limited to:
Any package with an actual value of more than $50,000 (U.S.)

Coins, currency, postage stamps, negotiable instruments (except checks), money orders, unset precious stones, and industrial diamonds

Any article that contains more than fifty percent by weight of gold or platinum, or any combination thereof in raw form, including, but not limited to, bullion, bars or scraps of these metals.

UPS will not be liable for any loss of or damage to articles of unusual value. UPS reserves the right, but is not required, to return to the shipper any package containing an article of unusual value. Such return will be made solely at the shipper’s risk and expense.

UPS LINK

sinin1

ddink - I am thinking about the claims forms and the verbal question

you are correct - the $50 or lower green form and blue form or the white registered sheet do not require that info

what I do not understand is why they take insurance for say $500 - and then once they lose the package, require that you did not mail a rock and verify value of package

Murphy

I just go to the Post Office. If i'm mailing a single roll or just a few coins, then I use a bubble wrap mailer type envelope and send them 1st Class Mail. If it's something expensive, then I'll ask the customer what his preferences are, Priority or Registered Mail. I make sure all coins are securely packaged in bubble wrap. When insuring something, I like to get Delivery Confirmation as well. That's important because you and the customer, if you email him the tracking number, can track the order and you'll know if it was delivered to him or not. And the people at the Post Office, they just ask me if there's anything perishable, toxic, corrosive or explosive(lol) in the envelope. I never have to tell them what I'm mailing.
A note about Insurance: Some people insure everything they mail out. I don't. I've only had 163 total transactions on eBay, so I may or may not know what I'm talking about - you decide - but you might save money in the long run by NOT insuring items of $25 or less, if you're prepared to take that kinda loss occasionally. I've been lucky and never lost an order and have saved over $100 by not buying insurance on small potatoes. It's only the "sweet potatoes" that I insure. I NEVER use UPS or FEDEX - they are way too slow. Good luck to ya Rob and hope our comments have been a help.

NgokLi

<< <i>I wish to mail via USPS or UPS an insured package of coins. Am I required to state the contents?
This is a first for me and am not sure if the world needs to know what I am sending.
Thanks
Rob >>



If you send within the United states you don't need to state the contents. But if you send outside of the U.S. including APO,FPO than you need the stated the content.

mozin

<< <i>

<< <i>I wish to mail via USPS or UPS an insured package of coins. Am I required to state the contents?
This is a first for me and am not sure if the world needs to know what I am sending.
Thanks
Rob >>



If you send within the United states you don't need to state the contents. But if you send outside of the U.S. including APO,FPO than you need the stated the content. >>

I don't know if this is correct but this forum member probably knows more than I do.

I always ship coins by USPS REGISTERED mail and I suggest you do the same. Just tell the clerk the package is packaged well so it is not fragile, and say "NO" to the BS about dangerous materials and such. No big deal, and trust the USPS.

airplanenut

The people at my PO know what I mail, and I trust them. That said, at any other PO, if they ask what's in the package, the answer is that I'm allowed to ship it. If it's not a prohibited item, they do not need to know details. I'd head to the postmaster before I told someone I didn't trust I was mailing $XXX in coins.

ddink

Thanks sinin, I gotcha now.



<< <i>I've only had 163 total transactions on eBay, so I may or may not know what I'm talking about - you decide - but you might save money in the long run by NOT insuring items of $25 or less, if you're prepared to take that kinda loss occasionally. I've been lucky and never lost an order and have saved over $100 by not buying insurance on small potatoes. It's only the "sweet potatoes" that I insure. I NEVER use UPS or FEDEX - they are way too slow. Good luck to ya Rob and hope our comments have been a help. >>



You would save money in the long run by not every buying insurance, correct? I mean, surely the USPS does not lose money on insurance--that wouldn't make any sense? That said, there are some people on eBay who self-insure (charge for insurance and pay the claim out of their pocket if it's not received).