***anybody ever been harassed when.....

SeattleSlammer · May 22, 2008 9:03AM

....carrying coins (including slabbed coins) on a plane?

I'm going to Long Beach next week and was just curious about this. I'd rather not make a scene at check-in/security.

Thanks for any info.

SilverEagles92 · May 22, 2008 9:04AM

Harassed? No. If you carry the coins in some kind of carrying case (briefcase, duffle bag, backpack, etc.) you should be fine from John. Q. Public even knowing you have coins. If security asks to search your stuff, ask them to take you to a private room, or an area away from many people.

mrearlygold · May 22, 2008 9:04AM

No

BlindedByEgo · May 22, 2008 9:06AM

Never.

SeattleSlammer · May 22, 2008 9:08AM

I gotta think that a PCGS box of 20 slabs would look kind of strange going through the x-ray machine....

Bochiman · May 22, 2008 9:11AM

Ask for a cavity search

PrivateCoinCollector · May 22, 2008 9:45AM

When I was at ANA last year this came up. Bill Fivaz gave us all a copy of the FAA regulation that he recommended carring with us on a laminated card to hand to the TCA representative. The regulation allows you to request a private secirty screening because you are carrying rare coins. I can find the text for you if you PM me.

YaHa · May 22, 2008 9:52AM

Tell them you have been saving up for Vegas and you have a transfer after you land in Cali.

thezookrew · May 22, 2008 10:03AM

<< Ask for a cavity search

>>

Just what you need before a long flight...

Perry

Walmann · May 22, 2008 10:18AM

Whenever my carryon has been packed solid with coins they want to do a search. Each time the search was done in private, they emptied the bag completely only on one occassion, did their wipe with their pad, and was on my way, was very very fast( except the one time they emptied her, took a little time to repack).

BECOKA · May 22, 2008 10:21AM

Never had any issues.

I wonder if X-ray can accelerate toning.

Stella · May 22, 2008 10:24AM

If the TSA or airport personnel are going to perform a search, ask for a private search (as some others have mentioned.) Since this may possibly occur, keep in mind that it is best to have your coins packed so that they are not conspicuous from the outside of your bag, but they are easily removed them from your carry-on (to show in case you are being searched.) My advice is to choose a carry-on which is big enough to carefully hold your coins, but small enough to keep a close eye on. Pack slabs in PCGS or similar boxes, secure any raw coins, and rubber bands are your friend!

Tvac897 · May 22, 2008 10:26AM

<< Harassed? No. If you carry the coins in some kind of carrying case (briefcase, duffle bag, backpack, etc.) you should be fine from John. Q. Public even knowing you have coins. If security asks to search your stuff, ask them to take you to a private room, or an area away from many people. >>

Agreed

coinman420 · May 22, 2008 10:33AM

<< I gotta think that a PCGS box of 20 slabs would look kind of strange going through the x-ray machine.... >>

i`ve never had a box of 20 with me but i`ve had 6 or 7 slabs rubber banded together in my carry on and never attracted any attention.

with all the cell phone chargers & rechargable battery chargers and all the other gizmos and gadgets people carry

everyone`s bag must look like a bomb going thru the x-ray machine

JohnMaben · May 22, 2008 10:42AM

Unless you live in Tim Buck Two, they know coins when they see them and 9 out of 10 times you'll sail through.
If you notice them scrutinizing them in XRAY, and no one else is around I have quietly said, "there is coins in there" and that satisfies them.
If people are around and they ask to check your bag, request a private search.

John

nickel · May 22, 2008 11:09AM

Harassed about the coins ? , no. Flew to baltimore last march , from
Bradley (hartford ct), and had many coins in 2X2 boxes , and some rolls
of silver dimes . TSA decided to check my carry-on , because the screener
was probably not familiar with the image . Inspector opened four boxes , poked
between the 2X2's , was satisfied , even said he had some peace dollars at home .
Since so many dealers fly out of Baltimore , TSA is familiar , and my bag
zipped through . After showing my boarding pass before the machines , I
happened to stick it in a pocket of my carry-on which was now on the other side.
They were annoyed when I didn't have it to show them when walking through
the metal arch , so someone yanked it out of the bag , I had to tell them my name,
it was verified , they let me proceed .
Different airports , different screeners , diffrent results.

droopyd · May 22, 2008 11:31AM

I've carried a coin album in my carryon a few times and never once was even asked what it was, let alone asked to show it.

WTCG · May 22, 2008 11:39AM

I've never been harrassed while on the plane, but getting through security without extra scrutiny is another matter. Actually, the only scenario I can think of for being harrassed while on a plane is if your carry-on item is too large or too heavy.

nutz4coinz · May 22, 2008 11:59AM

I know this is BAD, but when I saw the post, I just have to say it out loud.....thusly....

Ask for a cavity search

Shouldnt you go to the dentist for that? Huh? Wazzat? Ohhhhhhh, THAT kind of cavity search....

SeattleSlammer · May 23, 2008 12:59AM

thanks much for the many replies / personal accounts

LostDutchman · May 23, 2008 1:03AM

I have been asked several times to show them what is in my carry on. But i am carrying hundreds of coins usually. I asked why the first time and they said that coins show up as black blobs on the x ray machine and a bunch of black blobs in a row can look like a pipe... hence the search... they have always been friendly and done it in private tho. on the other hand I have never been searched when leaving a town that had a major coin show.... i guess they are used to it.

tahoe98 · May 23, 2008 1:48AM

only problem i ever had was trying to talk them into letting me carry my 45...

BAJJERFAN · May 23, 2008 1:52AM

<< Never had any issues.

I wonder if X-ray can accelerate toning.

>>

Dunno, but I don't think it will do your coins any good. Wasn't there a big concern about this for all the stuff passing thru Dulles airport in DC a few years back?

Mark · May 23, 2008 1:52AM

Wasn't it Longacre who had a problem because once the flight attendent knew he had coins, she kept hitting on him throughout the flight?

PTVETTER · May 23, 2008 1:59AM

when flying I let a TSB Supervisor know what I have befor going thru the X ray. One time and only one time the operator ask if is would be ok to put my bag thru a second time flat instead of upright that was the only problem if you consider that a problem. My brother in law brought some coins from TX for me and had a private inspection. That went fine also.

poorguy · May 23, 2008 2:20AM

Almost every flight I get pulled out for private screening and they sift through my bags and coins.

notwilight · May 23, 2008 2:28AM

I've had guys say, "looks like coins" and I say, "yeah, pocket change." I've not been searched. --Jerry

NewMackMatist · May 23, 2008 2:31AM

Since you're assuming you'll be searched, don't forget to allow for the extra time so you'll have no problems catching your flight.

LostDutchman · May 23, 2008 2:40AM

<< Wasn't it Longacre who had a problem because once the flight attendent knew he had coins, she kept hitting on him throughout the flight?

>>

thats a problem??? hahaha

jsf · May 23, 2008 2:40AM

I have more metal parts in me than any number of coins I've ever carried. I always get checked privately. All the bells and whistles go off.

Steve27 · May 23, 2008 2:43AM

It's the rolls that can cause problems. I get a couple rolls of quarters every time I'm on the west coast. I've learned to take them out and stick them in the bin with my electronics. They still stop and look in the bin, but they don't even talk to me (it happened to me yesterday at LAX).

ilikebuffaloes · May 23, 2008 3:17AM

Harassed? No, but TSA has asked to look inside and I have been happy to comply since I have nothing to hide from them.

I had some coins from the Alaska Mint in nice boxes (similar to the boxes that Proof ASEs come in) and they did not know what they were. Once they looked at them (in private) they were satisfied and I went on my way.

As suggested, I would allow some extra time and plan on being searched.

<begin rant>
I don't get offended by the TSA doing their job. I'm more offended by those that don't comply with the cellphone rules (yes I''ve seen you texting, etc) and those who hide the fact that they are using a cell modem on their laptop (this emits the same signal as a cell phone and is just as illegal). While it may not really interfere with the plane's navigation system, until it is approved it is illegal and I will continue to call you out if you do it.

My safety is more important than your work, just ask me if you aren't sure!

</end rant>

dizzyfoxx · May 23, 2008 4:07AM

Perhaps you should send them to me to alleviate any worries.

YaHa · May 23, 2008 4:11AM

<< Never had any issues.

I wonder if X-ray can accelerate toning.

>>

That's a good one Becko. If I would try that I would surely get busted for smuggling GOLD and Silver out of my state.

TavernTreasures · May 23, 2008 5:22AM

In my opinion TSA workers are want-to-be cops and can be real jerks.

BobGreene · May 23, 2008 7:31AM

I always have to go into secondary inspection, but I've never had any problem being on my way.

***anybody ever been harassed when.....

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