First submission - Any packaging tips?

ksuscott

I'm getting ready for my first PCGS submission. I think I have everything I need. I ordered the SAFLIP's from PCGS as well as the box and labels. I have some raw mint state coins that I recently acquired in an estate sale. Reading through PCGS's instructions they will not accept the cardboard holders the coins are currently in. I'm a little worried about putting the coins in SAFLIPs when sending them in. Is there any chance of the flips rubbing the high points of the coin during shipping? Any recommendations from others with submission experience would be appreciated.


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.

VanHalen

I put a small piece of cardboard between each flip in the submission and then one piece of cardboard on the top/bottom of the "stack". I also wrap a couple rubber bands around the whole stack but many say rubber bands are a no-no. C'est la vie. Ship fully insured with plenty of inert packing material around your stack(s). Don't forget to include your signed submission form. Good luck!

TigersFan2

I understand your concerns. I went through the same cautious thought process before sending in 2 different shipments of coins for grading. I think I read and reread the instructions 20 times just to be sure I had everything right.

One thing I learned in the process... When you send it registered mail, it can take several weeks to get there and the tracking can show the package "stuck" at one location for many days. When I sent them a submission and the package got "stuck" somewhere in the tracking, I called PCGS to inquire if they have received it and just not scanned into the USPS system. PCGS told me that registered mail, although the safest way, can also be the longest way. The package has to be signed into the USPS system at each step and there are only certain people at each postal station who can do this. If that person is out of the office for several days, the package just sits until they return. So, bottom line... Don't get discouraged if your registered mail shipment takes a long time to get to PCGS.

One surprise for me in the process... When they ship you back your graded coins, they ship them back in a blue PCGS storage box. That was a nice "bonus" that I wasn't expecting.

TopographicOceans

Just use the 2.5" flips and be sure to label each one with your submission # and line # (and x of y if submitting more that one of the same coin)
Example: 999999-1 2 of 3

I use Avery labels 5422 and print them from Word using Avery's template and just peel and stick them on the back side of the flip.

I've never had an issue of coins rubbing against each other in the flips (but then again, maybe that explains how my MS62's come back AU58's :HMMMMM

Then I wrap a group together with a rubber band and wrap them with bubble wrap.

Be sure to use the online submission. It is so much easier.

I like putting them in denomination / date order so when I get them back they match the order my software keeps them in.

Good Luck. Let us know the results.

leothelyon

<For Grading (raw coins), label each mylar flip using a sticker. >

I think my tongue was hanging half way out when I wrote, "Jefferson nickel" on this little sticker. Boy did I think I had something then but after rereading the instructions 10 more times, I knew I did a boo boo. Oh how we can get caught up in the excitement of our first submission. What year are the coins? Good luck with the grades.


Leo

MonsterCoinz

After my first submission took 10 days just to get to PCGS, I decided never again. I now overnight my submission inside of a flat rate box and place that inside of the large Express bag. It's not a paper bag that can be torn either. It costs the same, maybe even cheaper. My outlook is that if someone wants to steal your package, they will. Nothing is 100% foolproof. Just insure it.

ModCrewman

I submit nearly exclusively modern proof coins. The Mylar flips have never caused me any concern, and have gotten some very nice grades. As others have said: use the online submission form, rubber band them together, wrap in bubble wrap, and box securely.

For the labels, I use the Avery half sheet postage labels and an Excel spreadsheet to print, the spreadsheet is all tooled up to copy the submission number from the first cell, and to add one to the previous line. I then cut them out and stick them on...SO MUCH easier than writing the submission number out on each label as I did for my first submissions.

MonsterCoinz

<< <i>I submit nearly exclusively modern proof coins. The Mylar flips have never caused me any concern, and have gotten some very nice grades. As others have said: use the online submission form, rubber band them together, wrap in bubble wrap, and box securely.

For the labels, I use the Avery half sheet postage labels and an Excel spreadsheet to print, the spreadsheet is all tooled up to copy the submission number from the first cell, and to add one to the previous line. I then cut them out and stick them on...SO MUCH easier than writing the submission number out on each label as I did for my first submissions. >>



I need to get on the bandwagon with these Excel stickers. What stickers are you buying and what sort of spreadsheet template are you using?

ModCrewman

I just buy the 2 to a page half sheet mailing labels and cut them with a scissors after printing.

It's a very basic spreadsheet.

Column A Row 1: Text: Submission Column B Row 1: Numeric value of submission #
Column A Row 2: Text: Line Column B Row 2: Numeric value of 1
Row 3 is Blank
Column A Row 4: =A1 Column B Row 4: =B1
Column A Row 5: =A2 Column B Row 5: =B2+1

Copy, paste, and repeat for all lines on your submission form.

coindeuce

"I put a small piece of cardboard between each flip in the submission and then one piece of cardboard on the top/bottom of the "stack". I also wrap a couple rubber bands around the whole stack but many say rubber bands are a no-no. C'est la vie. Ship fully insured with plenty of inert packing material around your stack(s)"

Just wow. You are one very brave person. I would NEVER stack Saf-Flip enclosed coins between cardboard for shipping to a grading service in any circumstance. I always place each individual 2-1/2 X 2-1/2 mylar flip in a 12 pocket page, and then cushion each side of each page with bubble pad sheets.

Binding stacks of coins together with rubber bands is asking for a disaster. Rubber bands can break down and fail very quickly, especially if bound tightly against the sharp exterior edges of mylar flips.

ksuscott

Thanks for the advice. Now I just need to figure out these forms.

ksuscott

And there off! Fingers crossed!

derryb

five to ten days is the norm for registered mail, even when coast to coast. Don't sacrifice security for a few days gain on shipping.

ksuscott

All went well. I used the flips to hold the coins and labeled each flip with a printed mailing label. I padded each flip with bubble wrap and rubber banded them to secure the flips within the bubble wrap. Overnighted them via USPS express. I'm pleased with the grading results too. Thanks again for the feedback!

golden

Holy crap!