Another mail theft
logger7
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https://www.pcgs.com/cert/40323726
This is the top coin for the issue on "Coinfacts":
INVESTIGATING AGENCY: FedEx/Hawaii PD
TYPE OF INCIDENT: Theft
DATE OCCURRED: 4/14.25
INCIDENT LOCATION: Transit TX to Hawaii
UPDATE
NCIC has been authorized to offer a $5,000 reward for the RETURN of the coin in the same pristine condition as when it was stolen.
A FedEx package being shipped priority overnight was received by the recipient compromised. The outer and inner box showed obvious signs of tampering and the contents of the package was missing.
The package contained the following coin:
1907 Barber Half Dollar (Simpson label) Proof 67+ Cameo CAC
Cert#40323726
Anyone with Information Contact:
Doug Davis
817-723-7231
Doug@numismaticcrimes.org
4
Comments
I see FedEx didn’t wanna be one up’ed by the usps. Had to improve their coin collection too.
oh man. now they are able time-wise to nail both boxes
just seems like the last 2 here made it to the destination facility and got hit. seems someone would have noticed it before then
Think we’ll begin to see registry sets called the USPS collection, FedEx collection, UPS collection one of these days?
That will be a tough one for a thief to try to resell...
I received a high value coin via USPS and it was not in a box in a box but rather an envelope securely taped to the box ... I think the only way to slip that out would be to completely destroy the shipping box ... which is what I had to do to get it released.
Seam like an opportunity for someone to invent and patent a secured shipping container with built in trackers to be shipped within USPS and FedEx boxes
OMG ... My Mother was Right about Everything!
I wake up with a Good Attitude Every Day. Then … Idiots Happen!
Simpson pedigree will get past a pawnshop
That's sad when it might/will get broken out if it does 😪
If the thief cracks it out and then dips it, it will be more difficult to prove that it's the same coin.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
I wonder if either sender and receiver addresses had any 'coin' information displayed.
"“Those who sacrifice liberty for security/safety deserve neither.“(Benjamin Franklin)
"I only golf on days that end in 'Y'" (DE59)
it will be a good test of the gold shield fingerprinter
@Eldorado9 put this coin on your radar buddy.
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
The Simpson 1907, a truly stunning proof Barber. I can't imagine the heartbreak of anticipating the arrival of that package, and then......I hope it is found soon. I'll certainly be looking for it.
I know that 'Gold Shield' is advertised as potentially being able to "identify lost or stolen pieces resubmitted to" PCGS.
Anyone know of a specific case where this actually happened?
Edited - See the comment directly below from @messydesk about "may". As a result, added the word "potentially".
"PCGS Gold Shield may then identify lost or stolen pieces resubmitted to us, ..."
PCGS probably knows, but I don't know if they'd make that information public.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
Just wondering why for such a coin, you would not use Registered Mail, which requires a signature at every stop?
If you have a private insurance policy, it can mandate the service used.
wow! How is anyone going to "fence" that coin? ...unless it gets sold to someone that hides it in a personal collection and we don't see it for 20-30 years... :-/ or... dips it... ugh!
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FedEx priority overnight couldn’t have had many hands touching it. Hopefully it can be narrowed down and guilt established.
Not even registered is immune these days, there's been a couple recent instances of registered packages being pilfered. Many buyers don't want to wait a month for delivery, or the dealer might not get paid until the coin is delivered. Also as JM mentioned some insurance policies require expedited shipping.
Typically, Fedex express is extremely safe, and I cant imagine someone being able to sneak a coin out of my packages without serious effort. Sealed padded envelope, inside a small box sealed with filament tape, then packed inside another box covered In filament tape. No identifiers on the package, sender could be "peak auto parts" and I might even slap a yellow "perishable" sticker on there. Coins of certain value get AirTags for real time tracking.
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I'd think if at all possible in person transfers of high value items need to be considered. I had a gold proof last week that I hand delivered, I did not want to have the long wait for the customer on a registered. I heard FedEx offers an expensive same day delivery option.
OMG, what a shame. I really hope the coin shows up safe and sound
Mike
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I’m not aware of a same day option, but priority overnight is virtually “same day” when you think about it….driver picks up the package from my house in south Florida between 6-7pm and it will be delivered to PCGS in California by 10:30 AM the next day. Cost is typically around $70-$90ish depending on location, with their “fuel surcharges” and pickup fees.
The next best option is “first overnight” in which the delivery time is doubled for a couple hours earlier, a terrible value proposition. 2 day is about half the cost of overnight, and I don’t understand why anyone would opt for “express saver” (3 day” to save an additional $3 or $4…lol
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https://www.fedex.com/en-us/shipping/same-day.html I'm sure you have to pay a lot for this.
I don't think private policies would preclude shipping by Registered Mail. Mine doesn't. It does penalize you for shipping FedEx over a weekend, though.
I'm going on two lost incoming registered packages (different distribution centers) in the past year. No other inbound has gone missing.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
I would consider hand delivering my packages to a FedEx store and it’s also cheaper without a pick up fee. I certainly wouldn’t want FedEx drivers coming to my house on a regular basis for pick ups especially for someone young like you. I think you’re increasing the likelihood of someone breaking into your house. Maybe I’m overly paranoid living in Southern California with all the home robberies we have.
@skier07 ... not paranoid at all! Just cautious. I live in Baltimore and the number of porch pirates gives me pause on receiving coins valued at just a few hundred dollars, let alone the 5-figure piece from the OP! Last year, I won an auction for a 1924 Saint in MS65... it was supposed to have been sent Signature Required, but the USPS delivery guy just left it on my doorstep until I got home... I was sweating bullets over $2400 coin... can't imagine doing this over a 5-figure one!
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@lkenefic
My coin deliveries all go to my office which is in a professional building and there are typically at least two of us in the office Monday through Friday. FedEx once delivered a package with a high four figure coin to the wrong office and I have no idea why a dealer or auction house would ship a coin so that it arrives on a Saturday.
It’s ridiculous for whomever who tried to justify employment issues with staff based on norms and headcount percentages. Theft is NOT ok regardless.
Better we go back to full accountability as a society.
I think it just may be a a case of environmental conditioning, but they’re seems like there’s somewhat of a generational gap when it comes to security and privacy.
That being said, I have 0 concern with FedEx frequenting my house. In Fact, my insurance actually does not cover packages in transit until tendered to the shipping service, meaning that the drive to FedEx is uninsured.
The nearest full service FedEx is about 25 minutes away and I won’t use the Walgreens drop off, so it takes about an hour of my time to do so. When you factor in that I’d use about half of the pickup charge in fuel alone, coupled with saving an hour of my time, that’s plenty of value for me.
Also, the burglary rate in CA is about triple what FL is, and that’s before considering that I’m in a gated community with 24/7 security and an officer on patrol in the neighborhood at all times. I also have a camera watching the street, one for the back yard, my ring camera at the door, several indoor cameras with live feed to my phone, a centralized security system, barking dog, firearms in multiple rooms., and a 600 lb safe bolted to the floor (under camera surveillance”. No one can just drive up to my house without knowing the name and address of where they’re going, and after giving id at the gate they call me to ask permission to let them through. Best of all my neighbor across the street is a sheriffs deputy and his patrol car is normally right in his driveway. My house is probably the worst house to pick for a burglary in my development, lol. I’m 4 years I’ve lived here, there’s been 1 home burglary and it was some intoxicated teenagers that scaled the fence from a bordering community, then promptly apprehended.
I put the FedEx packages right under my ring camera shortly before he arrives, so they have to bend to grab them and my ring camera gets a clear image of their face. That camera footage is actually easier for me to obtain as proof if needed for insurance, which like I said starts the moment they touch the package. They also have clue what’s in the packages, and I’m now pretty familiar with the FedEx drivers for this route.
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Dan, your house sounds like it has more security than a bank, good for you.
I live in Utah in a small town where I also have a sheriff 2 doors down and here everyone's is carrying..........
Mike
My Indians
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Something going on at the postal offices in America. two yrs ago P.O. lost a 1909-S lincoln cent unc not the first time this has happen.
Good Luck finding that coin
I recently had an instance with FedEx where they said my package was delivered but I never received it. The tracking shows a picture of 2 boxes sitting on a front porch that is not mine not to mention they are large boxes whereas mine was a small 1pound package containing a 10oz gutter metal bar.
The week prior I had a shipment from same seller, same contents that showed a picture of an elongated package on another porch that was not mine. I immediately filed a missing package case and about 4 hours later a driver shows up, I show him the picture and he says oh yeah that was some lawnmower blades that I delivered in the next town over, here's your bar. I could understand him possibly knowing the first package was lawn mower blades by the shape/way package was wrapped in the picture but there should be no way he could know my package contained a bar. Glad I recovered this one but not thrilled this guy knew the contents.
Coincidental that the same exact thing happens the following week. This one was not recovered, Liberty Coin via Dillon Gage initially told me I was SOL. FedEx Philippines customer support was completely useless. They are still randomly calling me 3 weeks later to ask if I found the package. I had to travel to the station and physically get a manager involved; he confirmed that the GPS where the driver (said) he delivered the package was not my address. It took 2 weeks and a few hours of administrative work but I did recover the funds. The fact that this driver knew the contents of the original incident and the fact that in this 2nd incident the package in question isn't in the drop off photo I am pretty much convinced that he was the one that swiped it. I filed a complaint but doubt anything will be done about it. Now I am stuck not ordering from Liberty/BGASC if under $700 because they use FedEx and don't require signature.
For the record, I have never had a lost/stolen package with the USPS and there have been thousands of transactions. RGDS!
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I once had FedEx drop off 3 gigantic boxes that filled my porch. I happened to be home and dragged them in. About an hour later, FedEx sent me notification of delivery with a picture of my empty porch. Lmao. He must have forgotten to take the picture and circled back to take a photo proving NON- delivery.
Can/does FEDEX scan packages with some sort of x-ray scanner?
I've had nothing, but great service from the usps all over the country.
I'd hate to jinx myself but I sent two packages of coins to ANACS a couple thousand mikes away by USPS Ground Advantage, and there were no issues.
I didn't even bother to add insurance because while the items in each package were probably worth $500 to $1000, I had the total mintage myself so there were no prior sales results to use in case of loss or theft.
Does anyone have a clue about the type of person stealing these shipments? Are they seasoned collectors or just knowledgeable thieves? How many traceable coins have been recovered or end up for sale in new slabs?
Or are they just stolen and thieves go pot luck for what's in the packages?
I wouldn't know but I would assume they would have this capability in their main hubs. My package was in a plain white box and said it was shipped from "fulfillment center". There was nothing that should've indicated to the driver that it contained a 10oz bar. THKS!
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Yeah I just got another text with picture today of the "lawn mower blade" package saying it was delivered as one of my critical first AM medical part packages from my employer. Problem is I already received that package back on the 14th of April. Unreal.
In your case maybe he snapped the picture prior to placing the packages there but either way what good does a picture of an empty porch prove to anyone. I was told by the station manager that they have several checks in place to determine if the driver delivered the package to correct location. THKS!
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I have learned to tape a smaller box inside a larger box. While it is inconvenient for the recipient, the box has to be virtually destroyed to steal the contents.
On a different note, we use Fedex daily to ship tissue specimens overnight to a specialized pathology lab from our office. Recently, a box was delivered empty…difficult to say tampered with vs simply damaged in transit-but no contents made it to the destination. If stolen, I’m sure the contents were a huge disappointment to the thieves. Fedex actually offered for each patient affected to be re-biopsied at no cost as we couldn’t be certain of the benign nature of several of the missing specimens.
I sent poop once through the mail for colon cancer test I think. I’m going to start putting poop enclosed on the packages.
Like the USPS they can tell from the GPS location where the delivery person was when the photo'd it or it was signed for.
I worked for FedEx express for a short time. IMO it would be difficult for anyone other than the drivers (picking up or delivering )or a person working as a clerk to spend any alone time with a package.
The express drivers unloaded and loaded their own trucks from a conveyor belt.
In the morning, shipping containers are offloaded from a truck, and package handlers unload them at a very fast pace. No time to be looking through packages or scanning them. They go on the conveyor and drivers pull their route and load truck.
In the evening, drivers unload their trucks onto conveyor and package handlers load into shipping containers at a very fast pace. Once a container is full it is closed and it is loaded onto a truck. The containers are shaped to fit directly into fuselage, so they are not intended to be opened again until they arrive at destination sort facility.
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the same isn't true for usps?
>
Last year, my wife received a photo from FedEx of her package sitting on a porch that was not ours. Our rural road meanders through two counties, so we just took off driving and looking at porches. We were very fortunate to find her package 8 MILES FROM HOME in the next county.
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Clearly, both before and especially AFTER Covid the delivery services (all 3 of them) had to reach down to replace all the retirees. Plus, sometimes you can't screen for past criminal activity or legal status in this country.
There seems to be too many valuable packages going missing. Some of these rings are clearly organized. Then you have family crime rings, like that mother-son in Texas who did get nailed.
There clearly is a point in the process where individuals are able to touch/handle packages...and it's isolated and/or not on security videos. It might not be the drivers. It might be in the distribution hubs, early in the process.
There have been too many stories for all 3 services -- UPS, FedX, and USPS -- where MANY individuals have had valuables/coins stolen. The thiefs know the weak spots and/or can tell from the packaging/envelopes what is being sent.
Like I said, at FEDex express, there are very few opportunities for anyone other than the drivers, or counter people/clerks etc . to spend any alone time with a package. Let alone scan, use a metal detector, pinpoint any type of specific package. The whole process of unloading the containers and loading by the bulk of the package handlers happens so quickly that you wouldn't have time. And, there are a dozen other handlers, managers and drivers all within viewing of the process. If any of those people were stealing packages, I would assume it was just a random grab of opportunity and hope it was valuable.
The people who intake packages at the remote locations, the drivers, the clerks at the main office all have some time they could spend. They are also the ones who are more likely to know what the person is shipping based on business name, insurance cost etc.
Edit to add.
All of this loading and unloading is on a deadline. Delaying the takeoff of the plane for any reason would likely result in some serious inquiry. So that is why I don't think the truck drivers would stop the truck somewhere and try to open up any container. And image the movies where the person cleans their house by filling the closet until they can barely shut the door and when they open it, everything pours out. That is what the containers are like. Hundreds of different sized boxes and envelopes stacked like the final level of tetris.
I have no comment on UPS or USPS because I have never worked at either.
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