PCGS Refuses coin?

Batman23

I recently sent in an 1875-S Half Dollar for the quarterly special. I filled out the form, put the coin in the Mylar 2.5x2.5 flip with the appropriate label. A little tape to hold the flip to a piece of cardboard (act as a stiffiner and to keep the coin from running loose in the #0 padded envelope). Paper taped the only seam and sent Insured first class mail. (yes I am cheap, did not want to pay the registered cost on this package). After mailing I realize that I forgot to write CC special on the outside of the envelope I recall past threads where this is not a big deal.

Two weeks go by and I am getting concerned... PCGS has not recieved my coin. First Class is faster than Registered and should have been there in a week.

Today comes and Mrs. Batman walks in with my envelope. First words out of her mouth... you're not going to be happy. <-- This is not a good thing by the way.

I get the envelope and there is a sticker in red that says "REFUSED" "RETURNED TO SENDER". The side opoposite the taped seam had been opened, cut with a sharp instrument, and cutting through the other side. The cut is taped shut with clear tape EXCEPT THAT they did not tape the other side where they had also cut through, leaving a huge hole in the front side of the envelope!

I look in the hole and see the coin still in the envelope, what a relief! But the coin was obviously out of the envelope at one point. Instead of being flat with the standard half bend at the seam and taped to the cardboard, the Mylar flip has now got two new folds, one of which is just right to keep the coin from sliding out of the flip seam. I am lucky the coin did not slide out of the envelope. It looks like PCGS cut open the envelope, half way taped it back shut, put a return to sender sticker on it, leaving a large hole in the envelope for the return trip.

I see that PCGS "recommends" the use of registered mail but I do not see it as a requirement. The only think I see that I did wrong was not write the "CC Special" on the outside of the envelope. Otherwise the seam was well taped and the package was insured. What am I missing here? Why did PCGS refuse my package?



Here is the PCGS Q&A they have posted on their web site:

<<
Q: How should I ship my coins to PCGS?
A: We ask that you send your coins in 2 ½ x 2 ½ Mylar flips. Please DO NOT send your coins in stapled holders, 2x2 flips, vinyl flips (that may contain PVC) or tubes, as doing so will cause a delay in processing. Place a white sticker on the flip and write the submission and line number that corresponds to that coin. We recommend keeping your coins together in the same order as they are written on your submission form by rubber banding them together. Package your coins with bubble wrap or Styrofoam to cushion your prized coins en route to PCGS. Be sure to seal your package securely to reduce the risk of tampering during shipping and prevent coins slipping through openings in the box (paper tape is required on Registered Mail packages). We recommend that you mail your package via Registered Mail through the USPS. Please mail packages to:


PCGS
PO Box 9458
Newport Beach, CA 92658


As an alternative to USPS, you may ship by Federal Express using express services only (Overnight, 2-Day) to 700 E. Alton Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705, HOLD FOR PICK-UP. This address will NOT accept FedEx Ground packages. No UPS shipments are accepted. p> Note: On all packages please indicate the fastest service level you are sending on the outside of your package, preferably below the address, in all capital letters. (i.e. EXPRESS; CLUB; REGULAR; etc.)
>>

Cladiator

How do you know it was PCGS that sliced it open and messed with it? Could have just as easily been a USPS employee that did it.

Batman23

<< <i>How do you know it was PCGS that sliced it open and messed with it? Could have just as easily been a USPS employee that did it. >>



That is a good point, just not sure why a Post Office employee would mess with it and not take the coin.

BXBOY143

<< <i>How do you know it was PCGS that sliced it open and messed with it? Could have just as easily been a USPS employee that did it. >>



WHY WOULD THEY LEAVE THE COIN??????

I HAVE NOT PERSONALLY SUBMITTED TO PCGS BUT I WOULD BE ON THE PHONE OR IN CONTACT WITH SOMEONE FROM THERE ASAP!!!! WHAT IF THE COIN GOT "LOST"

THEY WOULD NOT WANT TO HEAR IT I AM SURE!!!

PawPaul

i think pcgs received the package in damaged form and refused delivery -u lucky you got coin back !

Res

Once the package is open, you are not allowed to refuse it per USPS regulations.

Edited to add - which is why PawPaul is probably right.

PrivateCoinCollector

<< <i>i think pcgs received the package in damaged form and refused delivery -u lucky you got coin back ! >>



This is the most probably scenario. They did what anyone who gets a damaged package with valuables in it should have done.

Batman23

<< <i>Once the package is open, you are not allowed to refuse it per USPS regulations.

Edited to add - which is why PawPaul is probably right. >>




I thought this was the case too. I will really be pissed if I find out a post office employee was the one that opened it!

coinman420

<< <i>i think pcgs received the package in damaged form and refused delivery -u lucky you got coin back ! >>



i think this is exactly what happened. next time use a small box, even if it is only one coin. just my advice.

BXBOY143

SOME PEOPLE SUCK!

BlindedByEgo

I always use padded envelopes with lots of tape on the seams, or a box. My personal experience is that PCGS will not refuse non-registered packages, nor packages not marked with tier (although not marking the package can delay processing).

Coxe

If you cheap out, your package might get machined and that can damage the package and even the coin. You are lucky your coin wasn't dislodged by a postal service machine. PCGS did the correct thing by refusing the package. Had they accepted it and the coinw as lost, like you feared when it was returned to you, they'd be on the hook for it. There is a good reason for registered mail and PXGS's rocommendation to use it.

streeter

A small box and moisture sensitive fiber tape and registered insured mail.

100% 0f the time ---------

or deliver in person at a show and get a receipt.

If this is too expensive then change hobby

Steve27

I've sent coins first class uninsured to PCGS; so I don't think they rejected because of the way it was mailed. I think as others have stated, the package was damaged before it got to them and they didn't want to be responsible for it.

Casman

<< <i>A small box and moisture sensitive fiber tape and registered insured mail.

100% 0f the time ---------

or deliver in person at a show and get a receipt.

If this is too expensive then change hobby >>




Moisture sensitive fiber tape?

jgrinz

<< <i>I've sent coins first class uninsured to PCGS; so I don't think they rejected because of the way it was mailed. I think as others have stated, the package was damaged before it got to them and they didn't want to be responsible for it. >>



This is correct - them not taking posession of the package puts the liability back onto the USPS and the sender with his insurance.
I thought,however, that there was a form/sticker that should have been attached to the package stating the damage and refused by the recipient and I thought the deliverer was supposed to sign it to verify this.

I am just going by memory on something that happened to me.

RayNY2E

If you absolutely do not want to Follow PCGS recommendations on Shipping, It might be a better Choice to use Priority,Insured with Delivery confirmation. At least you'd Get a "FREE" Priority box,and you could pack your coin up in old bubble wrap (which we all have piles of),or Newspaper because that's inexpensive and certainly cheaper and safer then a Padded envelope. Your coin will be much better protected that way.Don't forget to tape it up real good. Just another alternative to doing it the way they want. Ray in Florida..

MORGANHUNTER2

You were the FOOL for being so damn cheap in sending the coin the way you did.

Be GREATFUL you got the coin back.

if the word idiot is to strong- I'll use stupid in the future.

and USPS has thieves that know what is worth smoething and what is not.

Try again and do it the right way this time.

mheffner2

That just straight up stinks for you batman, live & learn though. Too bad you missed the special. I always do a worth vs risk guesstimate on mine. I sent in the last CC Special (olympic) in a padded envelope, priority however. It was worth $10 Raw, $50 slabbed now - eh, whatever. But something real... Reg-ist-ered! By the way, UPS stores carry the tape, already sticky. $4 a roll.

tahoe98

<< <i>How do you know it was PCGS that sliced it open and messed with it? Could have just as easily been a USPS employee that did it. >>





...........i think i would blame the usps before the pcgs also. i've seen their work before!