COINS GO MISSING IN USPS

joebb21

2 COINS WENT MISSING SINCE 7/23/14

1900-o/cc $1 pcgs ms65 cac 29809328

1901 $1 ngc au58 3582434-004

DIMEMAN

ARGH! I hate seeing stories like this. Sure hope they show up for you.

How did you send them. If registered, they may show later. I have had them gone missing longer than this and everything turned out OK!

Sometimes the tracking is not up to date.

joebb21

Sent 2 packages to a dealer- both with a blue insurance tag on them (over $200). One was no problem, other apparently was empty with no invoice or coins

LindeDad

Insured? See you answered, make the claim.

LanceNewmanOCC

.
ouch.

it is frustrating because i want to do some extreme packing so that anyone wanting to remove contents nearly has to destroy the box to get to them but then that makes it a nightmare for the recipient.
.

DaveWcoins

I often wondered if sending packages "insured" with extra insurance is a green light to those few folks in the USPS who steal. I haven't sent coins USPS "insured" (with extra insurance or otherwise) for maybe 15-20 years, but when I did my loss rate on those packages was suspiciously high. It was several times as high as the loss rate on insured packages that I insured for under $200.

crazyhounddog

File your claim with the PO...I had this happen to me last year and was surprised to get refunded within a week.

guitarwes

I wonder this same thing. DaveWcoins I try to think like a thief to maybe prevent a future mishap.

I started printing 99% of my shipping labels online instead of using the big blue "I'M AN INSURED PACKAGE THAT'S WORTH OVER $200, PLEASE STEAL ME" labels, but the word "INSURED" still it is printed on the label, just not as conspicuous as the colored labels. But a PO worker still knows what to look for, just doesn't give the value approximation.

Wolf359

Awful. I hope they turn up soon!

coin4sale

that blows.., i hope they are just delayed and eventually show up.

were they sent priority or express?

ms70

Just another day at the United States Post Office, where we pay them to insure our packages from..... them.

AnkurJ

Do you have private insurance?

1tommy

<< <i>File your claim with the PO...I had this happen to me last year and was surprised to get refunded within a week. >>

I lost 2 coins going to our host and had 1000 in insurance. It took 2 denials from St Louis than the claim goes to Washington DC.

I had to show everything, receipts and pictures and I did finally get the 1000 bucks AND a couple Months later they Arrested the Postal Employee in Anaheim. My coins were never recovered but they did find Another Members Coins and over 1 year Later there still holding them for evidence............Good Luck

Broadstruck

<< <i>Just another day at the United States Post Office, where we pay them to insure our packages from..... them. >>

georgiacop50

Please let us know how the ins. claim goes....

& sorry!

coinguy1989

<< <i>I often wondered if sending packages "insured" with extra insurance is a green light to those few folks in the USPS who steal. I haven't sent coins USPS "insured" (with extra insurance or otherwise) for maybe 15-20 years, but when I did my loss rate on those packages was suspiciously high. It was several times as high as the loss rate on insured packages that I insured for under $200. >>



Yes, the blue stickers are huge steal me signs. That's why I no longer use USPS insurance, and have a private carrier instead. I had a packaged that was ripped off in New York, and the package was magically forwarded, but no one knew where it was forwarded to - it doesn't make a lot of sense to me.

Bochiman

<< <i>Sent 2 packages to a dealer- both with a blue insurance tag on them (over $200). One was no problem, other apparently was empty with no invoice or coins >>




Package arrived empty, but did arrive?
What type of packaging? Box? Bubble envelope?
Was it ripped or slit open?

GRANDAM

Someone needs to pack a small video recorder in a package and put the opener on U-TUBE

Of course that could be tricky to get the camera to start the video as the package is opened?

GrandAm

agentjim007

When I feel it necessary to insure (when I'm shipping to a known coin dealer) I insure for $300 regardless of value because I get a signature no extra cost. Postal thief knows to look at the cost and can figure out the package is worth over $200 ($301 + would cost more and easy to figure with a flat rate box). Hopefully he is waiting for a bigger fish to land. Most important tape the heII out of it. My packages look like they've been dipped in plastic.

DaveW

Join the club. If you've been collecting long enough every one has a coin or two stolen by the USPS

AnkurJ

Another reason to have private insurance. All you need is signature confirmation and you're covered.

BAJJERFAN

<< <i>Just another day at the United States Post Office, where we pay them to insure our packages from..... them. >>



LAME. Perhaps you could start the perfect delivery business where no insurance is necessary.

BAJJERFAN

<< <i>Sent 2 packages to a dealer- both with a blue insurance tag on them (over $200). One was no problem, other apparently was empty with no invoice or coins >>



Print your labels thru the usps site or www.paypal.com/shipnow. The usps site will not let you print anything cheaper than priority service, so the PP site is recommended. They won't show the amount paid and no insurance tags. If you are using a bubble pack envelope, tape completely over the label and maybe once around the girth with clear tape. This will help prevent damage/lost contents if the package gets caught in a sorting machine. Over time, postal employees get to know addresses, etc. and can assume what the contents might be. A lot of issues are a result of poor effort on the part of the sender, just like a lot of coin robberies are due to complacency on the part of dealers.

BlindedByEgo

<< <i>

<< <i>Just another day at the United States Post Office, where we pay them to insure our packages from..... them. >>



LAME. Perhaps you could start the perfect delivery business where no insurance is necessary. >>



I didn't find it lame. Outside of thefts from public mail boxes, losses occurring while items are under the care and control of the USPS are always attributable to USPS employees. Therefore, the sentiment expressed in the original post is entirely accurate... And funny.

BAJJERFAN

<< <i>

<< <i>

<< <i>Just another day at the United States Post Office, where we pay them to insure our packages from..... them. >>



LAME. Perhaps you could start the perfect delivery business where no insurance is necessary. >>



I didn't find it lame. Outside of thefts from public mail boxes, losses occurring while items are under the care and control of the USPS are always attributable to USPS employees. Therefore, the sentiment expressed in the original post is entirely accurate... And funny. >>



Employee theft is hardly unique to the USPS. Do FEDEX and UPS eat the cost if their employees steal? Unfortunately insurance is necessary whether you buy it from them or someone else. As I said, there is an opportunity for him to do it better.

ms70

<< <i>

<< <i>Just another day at the United States Post Office, where we pay them to insure our packages from..... them. >>



LAME. Perhaps you could start the perfect delivery business where no insurance is necessary. >>



You are a trolling know-it-all that likes to snipe at forum members.

BAJJERFAN

<< <i>

<< <i>

<< <i>Just another day at the United States Post Office, where we pay them to insure our packages from..... them. >>



LAME. Perhaps you could start the perfect delivery business where no insurance is necessary. >>



You are a trolling know-it-all that likes to snipe at forum members. >>



Thanks for the compliment. The tone of your comment suggests to me that you think it's almost intentional on their part. With their system being what it is, there is a real chance of loss whether by theft or any other means. If you were running a similar business, would you just absorb the loss/es?

BLUEJAYWAY

<< <i>Someone needs to pack a small video recorder in a package and put the opener on U-TUBE

Of course that could be tricky to get the camera to start the video as the package is opened?

GrandAm >>

Or double edge razor blades

Treashunt

<< <i>Join the club. If you've been collecting long enough every one has a coin or two stolen by the USPS >>



terrible, but most likely true

kimon1230

Is just sending via registered mail any safer?

derryb

registered mail is the most secure type of mail, but starts at around $19.

georgiacop50

<< <i>

<< <i>Sent 2 packages to a dealer- both with a blue insurance tag on them (over $200). One was no problem, other apparently was empty with no invoice or coins >>



Print your labels thru the usps site or www.paypal.com/shipnow. The usps site will not let you print anything cheaper than priority service, so the PP site is recommended. They won't show the amount paid and no insurance tags. If you are using a bubble pack envelope, tape completely over the label and maybe once around the girth with clear tape. This will help prevent damage/lost contents if the package gets caught in a sorting machine. Over time, postal employees get to know addresses, etc. and can assume what the contents might be. A lot of issues are a result of poor effort on the part of the sender, just like a lot of coin robberies are due to complacency on the part of dealers. >>



Another good option is to use an automated teller machine to mail packages. That way you do not have to affix the dreaded "blue label".
But unfortunately, not all P.O.'s have the ATMs.

BAJJERFAN

<< <i>Is just sending via registered mail any safer? >>



It's very rare that registered mail goes missing, but it can happen. Unless you pay extra for restricted delivery [which should be standard for secure mail IMO] anyone at the receiving end can sign for it, but ID is supposed to be required. Also, security is somewhat dependent upon value. A $100K package will get more TLC than a $1K package. They will follow the delivery vehicle in an unmarked car if they deem it necessary. This was conveyed to me by someone at my local PO who said that he hadn't had a registered package go missing in 25 years.

ms70

<< <i>Thanks for the compliment. The tone of your comment suggests to me that you think it's almost intentional on their part. With their system being what it is, there is a real chance of loss whether by theft or any other means. If you were running a similar business, would you just absorb the loss/es? >>



Theft usually is intentional. Unless a truck gets hijacked or a post office location gets burglarized, yes.... it's an intentional theft by someone the USPS hired.

How long have you worked there?

BAJJERFAN

<< <i>

<< <i>Thanks for the compliment. The tone of your comment suggests to me that you think it's almost intentional on their part. With their system being what it is, there is a real chance of loss whether by theft or any other means. If you were running a similar business, would you just absorb the loss/es? >>



Theft usually is intentional. Unless a truck gets hijacked or a post office location gets burglarized, yes.... it's an intentional theft by someone the USPS hired.

How long have you worked there? >>



I don't now and have never worked there. I know employees who steal do it intentionally, DUH. Your post sounded to me like you are saying that the USPS intentionally hires people to steal.

desslok

I recently bought a coin on eBay, worth around $100. Seller shipped it registered (to an international address), with a pre-printed label and everything.

The USPS website showed the package status as "pre shipment", indicating it was never received by the USPS.

3 weeks later the item was dropped in my mailbox as a regular letter (not registered). It still doesn't show up on the USPS website as ever having been sent.

ms70

<< <i>

<< <i>

<< <i>Thanks for the compliment. The tone of your comment suggests to me that you think it's almost intentional on their part. With their system being what it is, there is a real chance of loss whether by theft or any other means. If you were running a similar business, would you just absorb the loss/es? >>



Theft usually is intentional. Unless a truck gets hijacked or a post office location gets burglarized, yes.... it's an intentional theft by someone the USPS hired.

How long have you worked there? >>



I don't now and have never worked there. I know employees who steal do it intentionally, DUH. Your post sounded to me like you are saying that the USPS intentionally hires people to steal. >>



Look who's throwing out the DUH's!

Coin Finder

What area of the US were these coins going to when they went missing?

derryb

<< <i>I recently bought a coin on eBay, worth around $100. Seller shipped it registered (to an international address), with a pre-printed label and everything.

The USPS website showed the package status as "pre shipment", indicating it was never received by the USPS.

3 weeks later the item was dropped in my mailbox as a regular letter (not registered). It still doesn't show up on the USPS website as ever having been sent. >>


Registered mail cannot be shipped with a preprinted/prepaid label. It requires payment and processing at the USPS counter. Maybe your shipment was sent "certified?"

The theft rate by USPS employees is actually quite low, most likely a result of the seriousness with which it is treated.

BAJJERFAN

<< <i>

<< <i>I recently bought a coin on eBay, worth around $100. Seller shipped it registered (to an international address), with a pre-printed label and everything.

The USPS website showed the package status as "pre shipment", indicating it was never received by the USPS.

3 weeks later the item was dropped in my mailbox as a regular letter (not registered). It still doesn't show up on the USPS website as ever having been sent. >>


Registered mail cannot be shipped with a preprinted/prepaid label. It requires payment and processing at the USPS counter. Maybe your shipment was sent "certified?"

The theft rate by USPS employees is actually quite low, most likely a result of the seriousness with which it is treated. >>



You can use a preprinted label for what little savings it would generate. You would still need to go to the post office to complete the registered process and pay the difference.

desslok

<< <i>
Registered mail cannot be shipped with a preprinted/prepaid label. It requires payment and processing at the USPS counter. Maybe your shipment was sent "certified?"
>>



I don't know exactly what the seller did or did not do at the post office. I know that it was sent with tracking number, and that the package arrived here 3 weeks later, with the USPS website still saying it was never shipped. Check it out for yourself if you like, the tracking number is LK058424153US

Direct tracking link:https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction.action?tRef=fullpage&tLc=1&text28777=&tLabels=LK058424153US

georgiacop50

<< <i>You can use a preprinted label for what little savings it would generate. You would still need to go to the post office to complete the registered process and pay the difference. >>



This. But make sure you glue the preprint on… no cello tape (although there are, no doubt, clerks who will make an exception to this rule) allowed on Reggies.

BAJJERFAN

<< <i>

<< <i>
Registered mail cannot be shipped with a preprinted/prepaid label. It requires payment and processing at the USPS counter. Maybe your shipment was sent "certified?"
>>



I don't know exactly what the seller did or did not do at the post office. I know that it was sent with tracking number, and that the package arrived here 3 weeks later, with the USPS website still saying it was never shipped. Check it out for yourself if you like, the tracking number is LK058424153US

Direct tracking link:https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction.action?tRef=fullpage&tLc=1&text28777=&tLabels=LK058424153US >>



That particular tracking number does not indicated registered mail service. A domestic registered shipment would show this. At least you got it. Sad to say that tracking isn't always updated.

Product & Tracking Information
Postal Product:
Priority Mail 2-Day™
Features:
Registered Mail™
DATE & TIME
STATUS OF ITEM
LOCATION

Wabbit2313

Here are the current rates on shipandinsure. This chart ends all debate over which is the safest method of shipping. (Or worst method)

joebb21

<< <i>What area of the US were these coins going to when they went missing? >>



Going from NJ to GA.

I posted the slab numbers in case anybody sees these coins come up again anywhere.

jessewvu

If suggest those shipping coins read this post: Shipping Suggestions

MsMorrisine

<< <i>

<< <i>
Registered mail cannot be shipped with a preprinted/prepaid label. It requires payment and processing at the USPS counter. Maybe your shipment was sent "certified?"
>>



I don't know exactly what the seller did or did not do at the post office. I know that it was sent with tracking number, and that the package arrived here 3 weeks later, with the USPS website still saying it was never shipped. Check it out for yourself if you like, the tracking number is LK058424153US

Direct tracking link:https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction.action?tRef=fullpage&tLc=1&text28777=&tLabels=LK058424153US >>




Is that number on a blue or black usps insured mail label?

BAJJERFAN

<< <i>

<< <i>

<< <i>
Registered mail cannot be shipped with a preprinted/prepaid label. It requires payment and processing at the USPS counter. Maybe your shipment was sent "certified?"
>>



I don't know exactly what the seller did or did not do at the post office. I know that it was sent with tracking number, and that the package arrived here 3 weeks later, with the USPS website still saying it was never shipped. Check it out for yourself if you like, the tracking number is LK058424153US

Direct tracking link:https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction.action?tRef=fullpage&tLc=1&text28777=&tLabels=LK058424153US >>




Is that number on a blue or black usps insured mail label? >>



Neither one. The "Pre-Shipment Info Sent to USPS" indicates that the label was generated and printed by the seller, so there wouldn't be any USPS affixed insurance label. "The U.S. Postal Service was electronically notified on July 2, 2014 to expect this package for mailing."

Bochiman

<< <i>

<< <i>Sent 2 packages to a dealer- both with a blue insurance tag on them (over $200). One was no problem, other apparently was empty with no invoice or coins >>




Package arrived empty, but did arrive?
What type of packaging? Box? Bubble envelope?
Was it ripped or slit open? >>




I'll ask again as I am sincerely interested in the above questions (I had one shipped to me in a manila bubble envelope a few years ago that arrived with a slit in the middle back that removed a coin....I have learned from that and do things a certain way now).

Jeffery

When I feel it necessary to insure (when I'm shipping to a known coin dealer) I insure for $300 regardless of value because I get a signature no extra cost. Postal thief knows to look at the cost and can figure out the package is worth over $200 ($301 + would cost more and easy to figure with a flat rate box). Hopefully he is waiting for a bigger fish to land. Most important tape the heII out of it. My packages look like they've been dipped in plastic.

Just want to make sure I am reading this correctly, when you insure an item for $300 (or more) USPS will automatically get a signature for that item? (Even if you do not pay for that additional feature?)

BAJJERFAN

<< <i>When I feel it necessary to insure (when I'm shipping to a known coin dealer) I insure for $300 regardless of value because I get a signature no extra cost. Postal thief knows to look at the cost and can figure out the package is worth over $200 ($301 + would cost more and easy to figure with a flat rate box). Hopefully he is waiting for a bigger fish to land. Most important tape the heII out of it. My packages look like they've been dipped in plastic.

Just want to make sure I am reading this correctly, when you insure an item for $300 (or more) USPS will automatically get a signature for that item? (Even if you do not pay for that additional feature?) >>



Insurance over $300 requires a signature from the recipient. I'm guessing that he is saying that he does not have buy signature confirmation in addition to the insurance at that value level.

For a $100 value package, insurance is $2.60 and sig conf is $2.35 for $4.95 total. The same package insured for $300 is $5.50