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best way to send coins to PCGS

ok, so ive kinda decided to join the bandwagon, have 20 coins ready to go, paperwork filled out, now... do I write PCGS on the box ? or a witty acronym such as "Peoples Craft Guild Services" I just kinda don't like the idea of advertising the contents of the box with $5000 insurance, seems like it is an invitation for a postal employee to relieve me of my coins, I don't trust the PO to pay a claim even if their employees lose of steal the package. am I paranoid or is my "fear" justified ?
regardless of how many posts I have, I don't consider myself an "expert" at anything

Comments

  • jdsueujdsueu Posts: 120 ✭✭

    Ugh- our post office doesn't even carry the brown tape anymore. The last shipment made me so nervous - it was over 10K and the lady said I'll just wrap it later don't worry about it. I'm beginning to think the only way to get them there safely is to drive them. Pretty bad.
  • BryceMBryceM Posts: 11,851 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Send it registered & use the real address. Should be fine. You really don't want it to come back with "no such address" stamped all over it.

    Nobody starts threads about the tens of thousands of packages that arrive just fine.
  • ebaybuyerebaybuyer Posts: 2,984 ✭✭✭
    the tens of thousands of packages that arrive just fine don't concern me, im concerned about my own so im asking what is the best way to send and how to package the shipment
    regardless of how many posts I have, I don't consider myself an "expert" at anything
  • MsMorrisineMsMorrisine Posts: 35,656 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I wondered about putting PCGS on the outside of boxes too

    My third party insurance, when I use it, doesn't want obvious names -- diamond, gold, coin -- on the outside of boxes.


    Someone in the PO gets few PCGS boxes and eventually the get curious with google. They might figure out who pcgs is.

    My third party even has zip codes forbidden to ship to. Theft.



    Unfortunately, if pcgs puts another acronym on the web it will still be findable with google.


    Meh. PCGS it is. Professional Con & Grafting Services ? What can be done ?




    As a footnote, yesterday I thanked the PO agent that help unbury a box for me in the back. It was my Kennedy gold and I wanted immediate sort so I could reship. I never, ever told anyone there what's in any of the boxes. I further explain it's a rush for turnaround times.

    The comment? "It's an expensive hobby".

    Hobby? I've never said what's in the box.

    Current maintainer of Stone's Master List of Favorite Websites // My BST transactions
  • AUandAGAUandAG Posts: 24,929 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I put MR. POGS on the last one and it got there just fine....goes to a PO box that received a bunch of mail
    everyday so, not too worried about their end. Just my end.

    bobimage
    Registry: CC lowballs (boblindstrom), bobinvegas1989@yahoo.com
  • ms70ms70 Posts: 13,956 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Before you send the box, read THIS THREAD.

    Great transactions with oih82w8, JasonGaming, Moose1913.

  • MsMorrisineMsMorrisine Posts: 35,656 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I put MR. POGS on the last one and it got there just fine....goes to a PO box that received a bunch of mail
    everyday so, not too worried about their end. Just my end.

    bobimage >>



    The "their end" people got forumites tommy and others.

    I'm worried about end to end.
    Current maintainer of Stone's Master List of Favorite Websites // My BST transactions
  • TPRCTPRC Posts: 3,814 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Follow directions from PCGS--to PCGS and PO box, I believe, and registered and insured. I've never lost a registered package, but I've lost others. If they ask what is in the box, do not say coins. It's none of their business.

    I also use the on-line for to fill it out...its way faster. And the directions are there on the form.

    Tom

  • bolivarshagnastybolivarshagnasty Posts: 7,352 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I always address mine C.U. . It's also good to ship a box within a box. A lot of the big Dealers use overnight for high value packages. I would guess their thinking is that if the package is to the destination
    quickly, less likelihood of tampering.
  • MsMorrisineMsMorrisine Posts: 35,656 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>the tens of thousands of packages that arrive just fine don't concern me, im concerned about my own so im asking what is the best way to send and how to package the shipment >>




    After getting private insurance, they want everything double boxed.


    I do that even when using usps insurance. If you've got the extra cash, I'd add the extra insurance of using the largest boxes without going nuts -- like their express mail box on the outside and a smaller box on the inside.

    You put the address and tracking on both boxes.

    I also make them noise free and balanced whenever possible.



    I am another one of the forum who had a package disappear. Years ago it was a vid card or disk drive sent to some one. It's rare but it happens. The claim was paid.

    Recently they started using online claim submissions. I asked the usps 800 number why an note said "max reimbursable" was $1000 for a $4960 claim and the person asked a supervisor who said online claims only pay $1000! Thanks for not telling me upfront! And they agreed it should warn you before starting the online process. imageimage

    Current maintainer of Stone's Master List of Favorite Websites // My BST transactions
  • MsMorrisineMsMorrisine Posts: 35,656 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I always address mine C.U. . It's also good to ship a box within a box. A lot of the big Dealers use overnight for high value packages. I would guess their thinking is that if the package is to the destination
    quickly, less likelihood of tampering. >>



    C U is good!

    I'm going to start using that!

    Current maintainer of Stone's Master List of Favorite Websites // My BST transactions
  • BryceMBryceM Posts: 11,851 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>the tens of thousands of packages that arrive just fine don't concern me, im concerned about my own so im asking what is the best way to send and how to package the shipment >>



    Wow. I thought maybe the first part of my comment would help. Guess not. Let me try again.......

    Two ways I'd send coins. The first is via Registered Mail. When using this option, I package the coins in individual flips and secure them tightly so they don't rattle or make noise. This all goes inside bubble-wrap and this goes inside a smallish box that can be sealed appropriately with paper tape. I'll usually insure this if the potential loss is enough that it would significantly affect me. If you're sending already-slabbed coins (for regrade or crossover) tape some foam or bubble-wrap to the inside of the slab box lid so the coins don't rattle.

    The second way is to package the coins in a similar manner within a small box. Then put the small box inside a large USPS Express Box. Many insurance companies require this as it seems employees have a harder time sneaking big boxes out of a PO facility. Maximum USPS insurance limits are lower via this option than with Registered.

    My basic take on it is this...... if the remote possibility of loss via Registered mail isn't palatable to you, it would be better to hand deliver the coins to PCGS at a show. Unless you pay for show grading and wait around to pick them back up, you'll still be faced with the risk of return shipping.

    My point about the tens of thousands of coins arriving safely is that you are almost certainly over-estimating the risk of loss. In actuality it's quite low. I understand the odds are meaningless if it happens to you, but everything we do in life has some risk associated with it and some analysis of the risk is necessary to determine the correct course of action for you.
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  • mdwoodsmdwoods Posts: 5,559 ✭✭✭


    << <i>the tens of thousands of packages that arrive just fine don't concern me, im concerned about my own so im asking what is the best way to send and how to package the shipment >>



    Insured registered mail is the safest way to go.
    National Register Of Big Trees

    We'll use our hands and hearts and if we must we'll use our heads.
  • BarndogBarndog Posts: 20,515 ✭✭✭✭✭
    best way? Hand the coins to a PCGS customer service agent at a show.
  • stevebensteveben Posts: 4,634 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>best way? Hand the coins to a PCGS customer service agent at a show. >>



    +1
  • VanHalenVanHalen Posts: 4,330 ✭✭✭✭✭
    USPS Registered Mail, with the PCGS name and address, fully insured. I've sent Registered packages dozens of times over the years without a hitch. In the one in a million chance something goes awry? That's what the fully insured amount covers. No worries.

    image
  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,255 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>I always address mine C.U. . It's also good to ship a box within a box. A lot of the big Dealers use overnight for high value packages. I would guess their thinking is that if the package is to the destination
    quickly, less likelihood of tampering. >>



    C U is good!

    I'm going to start using that! >>



    I once had a package not get delivered because the receiving PO said the name on the package was not registered to receive mail for that PO box.
    theknowitalltroll;
  • BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,255 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>USPS Registered Mail, with the PCGS name and address, fully insured. I've sent Registered packages dozens of times over the years without a hitch. In the one in a million chance something goes awry? That's what the fully insured amount covers. No worries.

    image >>



    THIS
    theknowitalltroll;
  • fastfreddiefastfreddie Posts: 2,902 ✭✭✭✭✭
    SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS:
    •House your coins individually in 2 ½" x 2 ½" mylar flips (we do not accept acrylic snap cases or cardboard and stapled coin holders). Place the coin in the inside front pouch of the flip so the openings of the flip are not exposed.
    Note: PCGS highly recommends you use mylar flips when submitting any of your coins for grading. The inert mylar flips will be a better storage unit for your coins while they are in the grading process here at PCGS.
    •For Grading (raw coins), label each mylar flip using a sticker. Write the submission number and the corresponding line number for that item on the sticker and place it on the flip.
    •When utilizing the carbon, four page form, tear away the gold copy (last copy) and retain for your records. Send the remaining three copies with your coins to PCGS.
    •Package securely and mark the outside of the package with the fastest service level you are sending. For complimentary submissions, please mark "CLUB." This will help expedite the processing of your order.
    •You may send us more than one submission at a time in the same box. If you do this, be sure and fill out the "Package Information" block at the top of the submission form.
    •Please be sure that each individual order has its own submission form and method of payment. We are unable to combine orders for return shipment unless you are utilizing your own USPS or FedEx account.
    •Note: When mailing packages to PCGS, please be sure to tape the entire package. By taping the package well, you’ll reduce the chances of tampering during shipping and prevent items from slipping through the openings in the box.

    •Ship via USPS Registered Mail (registered, insured) for safest delivery. Ship to: PCGS, P.O. Box 9458, Newport Beach, CA 92658

    •If shipping via FedEx (excluding Ground), ship to: PCGS (Hold for pick up), 7000 Barranca Parkway, Irvine, CA 92618
    •Keep a copy of the shipment tracking number for your records.
    •No UPS or DHL shipments will be accepted.
    •Visit www.pcgs.com/membership/ to check the status of your order.
    •We do not accept postage stamps for return shipping. In addition, we do not accept boxes or containers for the return of your order.
    It is not that life is short, but that you are dead for so very long.
  • silverpopsilverpop Posts: 6,733 ✭✭✭✭✭
    have brinks or some armed car service pick them up and get the coins to PCGS if you are that scared of thieves

    coins for sale at link below
    https://photos.app.goo.gl/3QuUzMTeSMsQXrpg8

  • TookybanditTookybandit Posts: 3,414 ✭✭✭✭
    Sent in 100 coins last month. FedEx 2 Day double boxed with brown tape around all the seams. I made sure that if I shook the box nothing moved. Then I blinked, and they were at PCGS! image

  • Wabbit2313Wabbit2313 Posts: 7,268 ✭✭✭✭✭

    If one of the postal workers was banned by you, a strong possibility, you might have a problem!
  • LindeDadLindeDad Posts: 18,766 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Express works fine and insurance is less than registered for a small lot $5000 or less. BTW it only take two days from most addresses.
  • kimber45ACPkimber45ACP Posts: 2,399 ✭✭✭
    I send registered with the address format PCGS lists on their form. I have never had an issue.
    There are requirements for packaging when sending registered, so make sure you comply. (water activated, yarn reinforced, brown paper tape)
    The post office will ask about the value of the package, which will then be what it is insured for.
  • derrybderryb Posts: 37,610 ✭✭✭✭✭
    If coins are considered bullion, go registered. It is the only mail class where USPS will pay an insured claim on bullion. Brown tape can be found at Staples.

    No Way Out: Stimulus and Money Printing Are the Only Path Left

  • ebaybuyerebaybuyer Posts: 2,984 ✭✭✭
    im sure there is a purpose for using 2.5 x 2.5 vs 2x2 ?
    regardless of how many posts I have, I don't consider myself an "expert" at anything
  • TwoSides2aCoinTwoSides2aCoin Posts: 44,552 ✭✭✭✭✭
    As published , and repeated: Here is the condensed version :

    Ship via USPS Registered Mail (registered, insured) for safest delivery. Ship to: PCGS, P.O. Box 9458, Newport Beach, CA 92658


    If a person can get it to the POST OFFICE, there is a chain of custody from you to them (PCGS) and back to you. It's quite simple. For over a decade, I have been "lucky" with the system.

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