Top Pop coin destroyed by the hands of USPS

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rva_coins
rva_coins Posts: 46 ✭✭✭
in U.S. Coin Forum

Yesterday was a sad day.

While in the possession of USPS, my 1949 Franklin Half Dollar PCGS MS66+FBL "Bugs Bunny" coin was crushed so hard that it bent the coin in half. This was very disappointing because I know the seller well and he does the best packaging of PCGS graded coins I have ever seen. This coin was also sent via registered mail which is normally a very secure method of shipping.

Due to USPS's pure negligence, a PCGS Top Pop variety coin was forever removed from the world. The coin was insured and I will be getting a full refund, but at the end of the day, this was a priceless item to me. I will forever despise them for this.

«13

Comments

  • ChrisH821
    ChrisH821 Posts: 7,147 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Must have been run over by a forklift or something. Maybe closed in a door accidentally, who knows.
    Any other picture angles? How bad is the bend?

    Collector, occasional seller

  • philographer
    philographer Posts: 1,383 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Sorry about that. I assume the box was crushed also? Did you photograph the box or open it in the presence of a postal official?

    He who knows he has enough is rich.

  • Hydrant
    Hydrant Posts: 7,773 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Not good. Stuff happens. Let it go.......It's only money.

  • Zoins
    Zoins Posts: 34,489 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited December 18, 2020 10:18AM
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    Sorry to hear the coin was harmed!

    It looks like the slab is still in one piece.

    I wonder if you could try this:

    https://www.pcgs.com/ccspecial

    Private Mint News | 2010 Lincoln Reverse Finalists
  • oih82w8
    oih82w8 Posts: 13,208 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited December 18, 2020 10:26AM
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    @Zoins If I read the OP correctly, the coin was damaged as well; "coin was crushed so hard that it bent the coin in half". So, sure, PCGS will reholder it, with a details description added.

    Very unfortunate agreed. I would recommend that our host should adjust the population as well.

    oih82w8 = Oh I Hate To Wait _defectus patientia_aka...Dr. Defecto - Curator of RMO's

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  • ShaunBC5
    ShaunBC5 Posts: 1,974 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Oh man, that stinks! A great variety of a great series, and not a '55. Very sad, indeed.

  • rva_coins
    rva_coins Posts: 46 ✭✭✭
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    @ChrisH821 said:
    Must have been run over by a forklift or something. Maybe closed in a door accidentally, who knows.
    Any other picture angles? How bad is the bend?

    Thanks for your comment. I said bent in half when I should have said "bent down the middle". It is maybe a 10 to 15 degree bend. For a second I thought maybe the coin had a chance. Then upon further inspection I noticed it was bent. Must've been hundreds of pounds of force.

  • PhilLynott
    PhilLynott Posts: 900 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    The box had to be completely mangled right?

  • EarlyUS
    EarlyUS Posts: 306 ✭✭✭
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    Although this was certainly unfortunate, at least it wasn't something life-saving that was desperately needed by someone. I mean, it's "only" a coin, after all.

    James at EarlyUS.com

    On the web: http://www.earlyus.com
  • TurtleCat
    TurtleCat Posts: 4,692 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Ouch! I feel for you. It must be devastating even if you get your money back. I’m refraining from anything that will ship USPS until January to avoid something like this, too. 99.99% of the time everything goes well but that 0.01% just ruins the day.

  • rva_coins
    rva_coins Posts: 46 ✭✭✭
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    @PhilLynott said:
    The box had to be completely mangled right?

    The box had a small dent in it and I didn't think much of it because I know my friend's shipping methods. He puts a box within a box with many layers of foam for protection. I got to the inside box and saw it was dented as well, but still had faith. Then I saw the inside packaging with the bend.

  • rva_coins
    rva_coins Posts: 46 ✭✭✭
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    @OldeTowneCoinShoppe said:
    Although this was certainly unfortunate, at least it wasn't something life-saving that was desperately needed by someone. I mean, it's "only" a coin, after all.

    If it were a lower grade, I would agree it being "only" a coin. But this was a Top Pop coin that I worked hard for to add to my set. Ruined in an instant.

  • Goldbully
    Goldbully Posts: 18,557 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    That's the worst kind of suck. Sorry for your great loss.

  • davewesen
    davewesen Posts: 6,982 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    with those rubber gaskets, the slab could be bent and coin still good. Can you actually see a bend in the coin?

  • rva_coins
    rva_coins Posts: 46 ✭✭✭
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    @davewesen said:
    with those rubber gaskets, the slab could be bent and coin still good. Can you actually see a bend in the coin?

    Yes. I had hoped that the slab cracked and the coin remained in tact. The coin has a 10-15 degree bend

  • BuffaloIronTail
    BuffaloIronTail Posts: 7,765 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited December 18, 2020 11:00AM
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    I wish I knew how that happened. Had to be a big accident or mishap somewhere.

    Me thinks that your coin wasn't the only thing smashed up. Heartbreaking.

    Pete

    "I tell them there's no problems.....only solutions" - John Lennon
  • TheMayor
    TheMayor Posts: 258 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    These pics are painful to look at for me. I understand all the "it's only a coin" perspective posts, but.... damn.

  • PhilLynott
    PhilLynott Posts: 900 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @rva_coins said:

    @PhilLynott said:
    The box had to be completely mangled right?

    The box had a small dent in it and I didn't think much of it because I know my friend's shipping methods. He puts a box within a box with many layers of foam for protection. I got to the inside box and saw it was dented as well, but still had faith. Then I saw the inside packaging with the bend.

    So bizarre. Horrible situation all around yuck

  • ms70
    ms70 Posts: 13,958 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited December 18, 2020 11:14AM
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    That is ridiculous. I wonder how many times that happens that we don't hear about.

  • ms70
    ms70 Posts: 13,958 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited December 18, 2020 1:24PM
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    @CaptHenway said:
    When I was at Coin World, we received a #10 envelope folded in half inside a plastic bag to which was attached a note:

    "The enclosed mail was run over by an airplane at the Columbus, Ohio airport. The USPS regrets any inconvenience."

    I opened it and there was a Bust Dollar in a cardboard Saf-T-Mailr, but fortunately the fold missed the coin.

    TD

    So I guess it wasn't a jet since it didn't get run though the engine!

  • TJM965
    TJM965 Posts: 446 ✭✭✭
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    Well the coin is truly one of a kind now. Maybe worth more someday with the story, to someone. Keep it in the broken slab.

  • jwitten
    jwitten Posts: 5,419 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Yikes, hate to hear that. Shipping is as bad right now as I've ever seen it.

  • fathom
    fathom Posts: 2,201 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Keep it in your pocket when you buy lottery tickets because that is a one in several million chance of happening.

  • amwldcoin
    amwldcoin Posts: 11,269 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    You should have PCGS reslab that with a special label. Come up with a catchy phrase and post it on all the USPS's social media accounts or whatever. Maybe they will buy it from you for a King's ransom!

  • kiyote
    kiyote Posts: 5,633 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Even the most casual kind collectors have heard of the Bugs Bunny Franklin. So sorry about your loss

    "I'll split the atom! I am the fifth dimension! I am the eighth wonder of the world!" -Gef the talking mongoose.
  • Smudge
    Smudge Posts: 10,001 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @jwitten said:
    Yikes, hate to hear that. Shipping is as bad right now as I've ever seen it.

    I see that David Lawrence isn’t shipping anything until next year. I am waiting now for a coin that is late and am concerned.

  • 1630Boston
    1630Boston Posts: 14,157 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    That's too bad

    Successful transactions with : MICHAELDIXON, Manorcourtman, Bochiman, bolivarshagnasty, AUandAG, onlyroosies, chumley, Weiss, jdimmick, BAJJERFAN, gene1978, TJM965, Smittys, GRANDAM, JTHawaii, mainejoe, softparade, derryb, Ricko

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  • Morpheus1967
    Morpheus1967 Posts: 173 ✭✭✭
    edited December 18, 2020 1:29PM
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    @Smudge said:
    I see that David Lawrence isn’t shipping anything until next year. I am waiting now for a coin that is late and am concerned.<

    Don't worry too much. I have two packages out there that I mailed 12/1. And then literally nothing for two weeks., No scans, nada. And then boom. On the 15th, they both scanned as having moved, albeit only about 25 miles (Cleveland to Akron.) Well one of them finally delivered today, and the other is in the city where it is supposed to deliver.

    It can definitely be nerve wracking, but for the most part, they will get there.

  • Walkerfan
    Walkerfan Posts: 10,391 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Sorry about your 1949 Franklin bugs bunny. It’s difficult to look at. Darn shame.

    Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍

    My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):

    https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/

  • CWT1863
    CWT1863 Posts: 316 ✭✭✭✭
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    That really sucks. Sorry to hear about it.

    ANA-LM, CWTS-LM, NBS, TAMS, ANS

  • ironmanl63
    ironmanl63 Posts: 1,975 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Lame!

  • OldEastside
    OldEastside Posts: 4,602 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    That makes Bugs angry

    Steve

    Promote the Hobby
  • AlanSki
    AlanSki Posts: 1,990 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    But did the usps tracking system work for you?

  • DoubleEagle59
    DoubleEagle59 Posts: 8,433 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Just in......a security camera caught the inept postal worker.

    "Gold is money, and nothing else" (JP Morgan, 1912)

    "“Those who sacrifice liberty for security/safety deserve neither.“(Benjamin Franklin)

    "I only golf on days that end in 'Y'" (DE59)
  • astrorat
    astrorat Posts: 9,221 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    With all the "... you should just do this or that with the coin ..." I have a question about USPS insurance payment. Will the USPS pay for the damages and allow you to keep the item that was damaged?

    Numismatist Ordinaire
    See http://www.doubledimes.com for a free online reference for US twenty-cent pieces
  • asheland
    asheland Posts: 24,545 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I hate that. :(

    My YouTube Channel

  • SeattleSlammer
    SeattleSlammer Posts: 10,125 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited December 18, 2020 2:13PM
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    @TomB said:
    I realize you are frustrated and it is a darn shame about the coin, but the ending quote is waaaaaay over the top.

    "I will forever despise them for this."

    Yep ..... remember the guru says you don’t get mad AT someone, instead you’re just going a little mad.

    Somebody tell @MFeld there’s a new USPS rant thread on the block. Stat!

  • Jimnight
    Jimnight Posts: 10,846 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I feel the pain!

  • Davideo
    Davideo Posts: 1,364 ✭✭✭✭
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    @TomB said:
    I realize you are frustrated and it is a darn shame about the coin, but the ending quote is waaaaaay over the top.

    "I will forever despise them for this."

    By far the most likely explanation is that an accident happened and there was nothing malicious. I think the employees are way too busy to be plotting slamming random packages with forklifts or something.

    And I completely understand the fact the something essentially irreplaceable was lost, but folks here are just trying to cheer you up a bit. "My irreplaceable coin was run over by a train but insurance paid out" is much better than "My irreplaceable spouse was run over by a train".

  • Namvet69
    Namvet69 Posts: 9,423 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    That's unfortunate about the coin but you gotta keep it in perspective. I don't despise random acts of whatever. I guess this means you're not ever gonna use a shipping service again. That'll fix that wascally wabbit. Peace Roy

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  • abcde12345
    abcde12345 Posts: 3,404 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Does anyone remember the SEGS coin labeled something along the lines of "Damaged by the USPS" on the insert?

  • ECHOES
    ECHOES Posts: 2,974 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Really sorry for you, keep the faith you will find another...

    ~HABE FIDUCIAM IN DOMINO III V VI / III XVI~
    POST NUBILA PHOEBUS / AFTER CLOUDS, SUN
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  • WAYNEAS
    WAYNEAS Posts: 7,271 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    :'(

    Kennedys are my quest...

  • philographer
    philographer Posts: 1,383 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @rva_coins said:

    @PhilLynott said:
    The box had to be completely mangled right?

    The box had a small dent in it and I didn't think much of it because I know my friend's shipping methods. He puts a box within a box with many layers of foam for protection. I got to the inside box and saw it was dented as well, but still had faith. Then I saw the inside packaging with the bend.

    If the box was in decent condition, do you think USPS will reject that notion that this severely damaged coin came out of a package with only "a small dent?"

    He who knows he has enough is rich.

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