When you fly to a coin show, how do you travel safely with coins and currency?

Tookybandit

I asume that you would carry on your valuables instead of checking them in your luggage? What has been your experience? Have you had any issues?

mkman123

Mine are in my underwear so its safe. Haha

Tookybandit

I would think some of my certified large notes would be a bit painful to hide there

daOnlyBG

<< <i>I would think some of my certified large notes would be a bit painful to hide there >>


Painful for you, or for the notes..

CuKevin

Definitely carry your valuables with you. Items in luggage have a tendency to go missing. Also be aware that you have the right to ask for a private screening at TSA. This will help keep others from knowing that you are traveling with valuables and make you less of a potential target.

valente151

Only tip I can give is to get on the plane as soon as possible. If I'm traveling with a bag of coins that won't fit under my seat, I will do everything I can to be one of the first on the plane, and will pay the extra 20 bucks or so that some airlines charge for "early boarding". This ensures that I have a space in the bin right above my seat so I can keep my eye on the bag the whole flight, rather than having it be 20 rows forward or behind if the bins fill up, or having it have to be "gate checked" for lack of room.

Just one tip, I'm sure there'll be other great advice.

LogPotato

<< <i>Definitely carry your valuables with you. Items in luggage have a tendency to go missing. Also be aware that you have the right to ask for a private screening at TSA. This will help keep others from knowing that you are traveling with valuables and make you less of a potential target. >>



This is good to know. I never knew private screening was an option.

AnkurJ

Have insurance.

valente151

<< <i>Also be aware that you have the right to ask for a private screening at TSA. This will help keep others from knowing that you are traveling with valuables and make you less of a potential target. >>



This. I've only been stopped once for a bag check with a couple PCGS boxes full of slabs. Just request the private screening so as to keep prying eyes away. Some dealers and collectors I know have "I am carrying rare coins and would like a private screening" printed on a card they can show TSA officers should the need arise, so that they don't even need to mention it outloud for others to hear.

Tookybandit

<< <i>you have the right to ask for a private screening at TSA. This will help keep others from knowing that you are traveling with valuables and make you less of a potential target. >>



This sounds like a great idea! I think I will look on the Airport website and see if they have more information or a FAQ page.

Tookybandit

<< <i> Some dealers and collectors I know have "I am carrying rare coins and would like a private screening" printed on a card they can show TSA officers should the need arise, so that they don't even need to mention it outloud for others to hear. >>



This is genius!

BryceM

Mostly use common sense. Assume that anything in your checked luggage is already lost. Never put ANYTHING valuable there. Cherrypicking has an entirely different meaning to luggage handlers. When you go through security, little metal disks stacked up just so in a little plastic box will often prompt a search. Ask to do this in a private location.

Never leave coins unattended in a car. This applies from the convention center all the way to your home. Thieves have tracked dealers and collectors for hundreds of miles waiting for an opportunity.

Be aware of your surroundings. Look around. Trust your instincts. People who are "casing" you are often pretty easy to spot. Spend a few extra bucks for a decent hotel in a good neighborhood. Remove your show badge before you exit the venue. Use the hotel safe or the safe in your room. Don't take your coins to dinner with you after the show.

Also, consider a good insurance policy. Most will cover your collection while in transit or at a show. It's hard to let a thief have your collection, but it's easier to walk away if you know they're insured. No matter how valuable they are your well-being comes first.

Finally, don't blabber everything to everyone. I'm guilty of that here on the boards, but I don't think anyone in my community even knows I collect.

stealer

<< <i>

<< <i> Some dealers and collectors I know have "I am carrying rare coins and would like a private screening" printed on a card they can show TSA officers should the need arise, so that they don't even need to mention it outloud for others to hear. >>



This is genius! >>


Also be aware that TSA agents may try to pull something slippery on you, swiping coins while in private screening. You won't have much recourse.

LindeDad

<< <i>

<< <i>

<< <i> Some dealers and collectors I know have "I am carrying rare coins and would like a private screening" printed on a card they can show TSA officers should the need arise, so that they don't even need to mention it outloud for others to hear. >>



This is genius! >>


Also be aware that TSA agents may try to pull something slippery on you, swiping coins while in private screening. You won't have much recourse. >>



They have a special place in Kansas for Federal Employees that commit grand theft it's called Leavenworth.

stealer

<< <i>

<< <i>

<< <i>

<< <i> Some dealers and collectors I know have "I am carrying rare coins and would like a private screening" printed on a card they can show TSA officers should the need arise, so that they don't even need to mention it outloud for others to hear. >>



This is genius! >>


Also be aware that TSA agents may try to pull something slippery on you, swiping coins while in private screening. You won't have much recourse. >>



They have a special place in Kansas for Federal Employees that commit grand theft it's called Leavenworth. >>


It's really a shame that the TSA isn't a Federal agency, or TSA thefts would be far less common. We can all dream

Kove

Col. Steve Ellsworth of Butternut wrote the definitive guide to securely traveling by air with coins.

mozin

Col. Ellsworth makes me never want to travel with my coins again. Scary.

WTCG

When traveling with valuables it's important to remember a few key points while keeping it simple. Be prepared for anything, do not get distracted and remain anonymous. Anonymity is important. Blend in with others and do not appear nervous or strange. Once you blend in the others around you probably won't know you are carrying valuables so there is no need to be paranoid or act in ways that could identify your posessions as items worth stealing.

Despite what you know or believe, thieves in general do not normally target numismatic material. They go after items that are perceived to be more valuable and liquid, things like jewelry or gemstones. Most people unfamiliar with numismatics believe that gems and jewelry are generally worth more than coins are and are easier to offload.

Metals are dense so if there is a good chance TSA will want to inspect your coins in person. If that happens ask for a private inspection. In all the years I've been air traveling with coins I have never been denied a private inspection anywhere ever regardless of location. Do no ever load your check baggage with anything of substantial value, whether they are numismatic or not.

JustMe2

I fly in my own very small plane so there is no issues with security as there is no security. The weather is another story though...

BillJones

Here's the key:

Look as inconspicuous as possible and hope that you don't end up with the TSA x-ray monitor who yells, "He's got coins!" at the top of his or her lungs. I had one of those.

Have a business card with you, and ask for a private search if you get pulled over. You have a right to that.

Putting anything of value in your checked luggage is asking for trouble. We've had problems with things disappearing after the luggage was "searched."

mrearlygold

Not good:




Better:

BillJones

Yep.

If you are carrying one of those silver or gold colored metal briefcases, you might as well hang a sign that says, "I'm carrying valuable stuff," around your neck.

A dealer with whom I attended a lot of shows on buying trips tipped me off to that many years ago.

FredWeinberg

Brinks - they're the 'silent employee' I use for
every show.

Why do I look at them as a silent employee?

They pick up at my office, deliver to my table
at the show;pick up at my table, and deliver
to my office.

I don't have any of the exposure:

1. Leaving my office building w/coins.

2. Being on the road in a car or taxi,
susceptible to nails in tires, getting
followed to/from the airport.

3. Getting out of the taxi at the airport,
and while I'm checking in luggage,
getting a seat, going thru Security,
sitting in the waiting area, etc.

4. At the airport when I land; heading
toward Baggage Claim, waiting for
baggage, going outside and finding/
waiting for a taxi or ride.

5. At the hotel and/or convention center
while I check in, go to my room, leave
room, hotel lobby, walk to convention
center, and so on.

6. Reverse all of the above after the show.

7. Bonus points: No schlepping heavy cases;
more material can be taken to a show in the
Brinks bags/my cases.

8. I don't have to pay for an additional Plane
Ticket, 5 nights of hotel rooms, 5 days of
feedin' them, and no worries of hangovers
after a fun night celebrating with other dealers.

9. Yes, it costs money to use Brinks, but I figured
out years ago they are MUCH cheaper than having
to pay for a second employee/person to take to
a show with me.

10. Just my ten cents worth.........

2ndCharter

Some dealers and collectors I know have "I am carrying rare coins and would like a private screening" printed on a card they can show TSA officers should the need arise, so that they don't even need to mention it outloud for others to hear.

Actually, my card, which I carry in my shirt pocket, says, "I am carrying valuable merchandise. I request a private screening area." So, that way, if a TSA officer says, "What's in there?", I just pull out the card without saying a word.

And yes, I travel in a very nondescript manner - casual clothes, sneakers, baseball cap, etc. and I NEVER put anything valuable in my checked luggage. Considering the number of times I've had my checked bags rummaged through by TSA inspectors, I would be crazy to take a chance like that.

SeattleSlammer

<< <i>Col. Steve Ellsworth of Butternut wrote the definitive guide to securely traveling by air with coins. >>





No doubt contains some good info...but take care of the bad guy by hitting him with a makeshift swinging mace made from coins in your sock.....!?

renomedphys

A backpack is nice. Two-strappin' like a big dog!

mrearlygold

<< <i>

<< <i>Col. Steve Ellsworth of Butternut wrote the definitive guide to securely traveling by air with coins. >>





No doubt contains some good info...but take care of the bad guy by hitting him with a makeshift swinging mace made from coins in your sock.....!? >>




A bar of soap in a sock will do the job quite nicely

Or a pencil.


These are self defence moves that everyone should know because if you are approached by someone who does and you don't, well.....better off to know. We can't drive/fly/be everywhere with a gun.

mustanggt

I always use a stardard carryon suitcase that holds plenty of coins etc. More weight than the airlines would like.

3 and 4 years ago TSA was a pain but I haven't had a screening in the last 2 years at least. A private screening is a must.

The suggestions for blending in are excellent. Insurance is essential