So Let's Just Say...

RichR

Hypothetically speaking, of course...

Let's just say that I'm sending $12,000 worth of coins currently housed in very badly dinged up slabs to a major grading service for reslabbing...and I'm sending the box via USPS Registered Mail, insured for full replacement value (using the grading services own coin values +10%...for good measure).

Do I have anything to worry about should that box get pinched?!? Am I covering all my bases?

I only ask because I usually drop off packages of this value in person with the TPGs at a major show...and not send them via USPS.

(And I also don't want my wife to call me stupid and hit me!!!)

RYK

No worries! Forget the coins and go back to worrying about your job, the economy, Middle East conflicts, and whether or not the Pirates will stay above .500-- you know, the important things.

djcnonlinear

<< <i>No worries! Forget the coins and go back to worrying about your job, the economy, Middle East conflicts... >>



Thanks. Now I'm worried...

Ahrensdad

Sending via Registered you shouldn't have anything to worry about.

19Lyds

<< <i>Sending via Registered you shouldn't have anything to worry about. >>

Ditto.

Proving value with regular USPS might prove challenging. Might as well go the extra mile and ship them Registered.

DennisH

Registered is the way to go.

SeattleSlammer

The only problem I could see is the +10% part in the event of a claim.

guitarwes

I agree, Registered is the way to go.

Not to hijack the thread, but has anyone here ever had an insurance claim and had to "prove value"? Who's word do they take and what documentation do you need to prove the value of what you shipped?

derryb

Here's a little song I wrote
You might want to sing it note for note
Don't worry, be happy
In every life we have some trouble
When you worry you make it double

Don't worry, be happy

Don't worry, be happy now

RichR

<<The only problem I could see is the +10% part in the event of a claim. >>

True...but I'd rather claim a bit high...and maybe get chewed down a bit to the disputed "real" value...rather than starting right at the break-even line.

Thanks everyone...

lcoopie

it's much safer than bringing it yourself IMO

291fifth

I hope you have receipts for your coins. You will have to prove their value.

RichR

<<I hope you have receipts for your coins. You will have to prove their value. >>

I would assume that the current value of certified coins from a TPG would trump the original purchase price from many years ago? Otherwise, that would be a very bad joke.

pennyannie

<< <i><<I hope you have receipts for your coins. You will have to prove their value. >>

I would assume that the current value of certified coins from a TPG would trump the original purchase price from many years ago? Otherwise, that would be a very bad joke. >>



They are going to want to see real reciepts or transactions on paper vs what a website says it is worth.

derryb

copy of your submission form with declared value and PCGS price guide should do it.

DCW

The Hope Diamond was delivered to the Smithsonian via registered mail, I think you'll be OK.

messydesk

I would go as far as to say that sending by registered mail may even be safer than dropping off at a show. You don't have to carry the coins any farther than your home post office, which is a routine task. Registered mail is the most reliable way of sending anything, even if a bit slow. PCGS picks your coins up from their PO and they get logged into their system by people who do nothing but that all day long. End-to-end, it's probably a much more mature and reliable process than dropping off at a show.

Eagleguy

<< <i>I agree, Registered is the way to go.

Not to hijack the thread, but has anyone here ever had an insurance claim and had to "prove value"? Who's word do they take and what documentation do you need to prove the value of what you shipped? >>



The one time the USPS lost one of my coins they would only accept a receipt showing what I had paid for it, which sucked because it had doubled in value per the price guide. I don't know what you would do if a coin upgrades and is then lost/stolen. I hope derryb is correct.

JH

roadrunner

You could always have your local dealer review the coins with you before you seal the package.

Staircoins

This topic was covered in a recent thread. Check out USPS Publication #122 which states on page 8 that coins are insurable at their "fair market value", and also points out how to determine this amount.

Click for USPS Publication

Page 8 states:

"The 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 collector’s newsletter
and trade paper."

You'll be fine.

LochNESS

<< <i>The Hope Diamond was delivered to the Smithsonian via registered mail, I think you'll be OK. >>