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Anything wrong with sending coins via Certified Mail?
Prethen
Posts: 3,466 ✭✭✭
I use private insurance coverage which requires a signature on the receiving end. Is this about as safe as Registered (I realize that Registered is basically very safe)? Any reports of theft?
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great for tracking
Russ, NCNE
Registered mail is very expensive....
... until you lose a package shipped by any other method. Then it looks like the bargain of the year.
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<< <i>Registered seemed expensive until I purchase all the insurance and sig. for certified. >>
My understanding is that the signature is part of Certified mail.
Also, I'm less concerned about the highest degree of safety, but what the practical experience is. If I privately insure it, there are no "Please Steal Me" labels on the package, so it looks like some standard piece of mail going through. Plus, it has to be signed by the receiver (which is required by my insurer). Plus it's much, MUCH cheaper.
UPS is out of the question. There's no place local and those UPS stores, if they're anything like I think they are (not satellite UPS offices), are total rip-offs....very expensive. I also don't have a Fed Ex office in the immediate vicinity.
But a certain fellow collector, who happens to work for the USPS, isn't so enthusiastic about it.
<< <i>Registered is too expensive. I just sent a package with $400 worth of silver for almost $19. That's a rip. I have had an insured envelope ripped open and contents stolen but it had the Over $200 Insurance (black) label on it. If you mail something with no hint of insurance, isn't it a hell of a lot less likely to get ripped open by some disgruntled postal employee? >>
Yes. I use a third party insurance company for stuff valued at $500 or lower, and registered for more valuable stuff. They require only delivery confirmation, which does not bear the "steal me" sticker that regular insured mail does.
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<< <i>Registered is too expensive. I just sent a package with $400 worth of silver for almost $19. That's a rip. I have had an insured envelope ripped open and contents stolen but it had the Over $200 Insurance (black) label on it. If you mail something with no hint of insurance, isn't it a hell of a lot less likely to get ripped open by some disgruntled postal employee? >>
Did it have the OVER $200 label or the BLACK label? Every over $200 label I've seen is blue.
I have sent many packages via USPS (either bubble wrap mailers or priority mail flat rate boxes) and ALWAYS put insurance and delivery confirmation on every package. I've done fine using this method, although insurance can get a bit pricey. But for peace of mind, it's a no brainer in my book.
I'm sure there are postal workers who may wonder what's in packages, but are they going to risk losing their job? Perhaps in rare instances. A Priority mail box, even with a fluorescent green label and a bright blue label, is discreet enough IMO if you wrap it well so nothing sounds loose.
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<< <i>What about looking into Priorty Mail Flat rate boxes with signature required?
Why would you use a Priority Mail Flat Rate box for ONE coin ($9.30 for an online shipping label), when you can use a Flat Rate Envelope @ $4.75 paid with an online label through PayPal ... add Electronic Signature Confirmation @ $1.80 ... The smaller Priority Mail Envelope EP14B 10" x 6" is even better suited for coins, just make sure you place your slab in a safeTmailer.
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<< <i>Registered seemed expensive until I purchase all the insurance and sig. for certified. >>
My understanding is that the signature is part of Certified mail.
Also, I'm less concerned about the highest degree of safety, but what the practical experience is. If I privately insure it, there are no "Please Steal Me" labels on the package, so it looks like some standard piece of mail going through. Plus, it has to be signed by the receiver (which is required by my insurer). Plus it's much, MUCH cheaper. >>
The fact that its certified already calls attention to it that its out of the ordinary. Its stamped CERTIFIED in big red letters so its not really ho hum.
<< <i>I use private insurance coverage which requires a signature on the receiving end. Is this about as safe as Registered (I realize that Registered is basically very safe)? Any reports of theft? >>
double check....about that signature only for coverage....scheduled coins on a homeowners policy are covered if the coins are mailed registered only...if you have specialty coin coverage through a broker (such as Hugh Wood) then the terms may be different.
<< <i>No, it isn't as safe as registered. Registered requires a chain of custody along the way. Certified doesn't.
Russ, NCNE >>
Don't we know Russ!!!
My insurer is Hugh Wood and the only limits is what I have setup through them. They require signature confirmation of delivery. I need to check with them if that means I can use any mode of transport, but they did specifically mention Certified and Registered.
I would suppose Registered is absolutely necessary for the rarest of coins to make dead certain no loss will occur. Otherwise, I would think packages that show no sign of insurance also show nothing attractive about opening them, hence why private insurance can be invaluable.
How often has anyone heard of Certified Mail being opened up or being lost prior to reaching its destination?
<< <i>How about fully insured overnight? I sent a registered earlier this week cost me just over 15 bucks. Could have sent it overnight fully insured for about $5 more. One day verses 7 to 10 days. >>
Unless you have private insurance that will cover overnight packages (from Hugh Wood or another such company), it is my understanding that Fedex, UPS and the USPS specifically exclude coins and similar items in their insurance, even if they charge you extra for it.
Coin Rarities Online
Always send Registered/insured, unless the coin is valued under $50. Then First Class insured, with HAND STAMP or PHOTOS - DO NOT BEND on the outside.
<< <i>Is this about as safe as Registered (I realize that Registered is basically very safe)? >>
No.
From here:
3.2.1 Description
Certified Mail is dispatched and handled in transit as ordinary mail.
<< <i>
double check....about that signature only for coverage....scheduled coins on a homeowners policy are covered if the coins are mailed registered only...if you have specialty coin coverage through a broker (such as Hugh Wood) then the terms may be different. >>
My thoughts exactly. I have had to ship coins that were privately insured through the Hartford. They required me to ship registered. Definately double check the insurance policy requirements.
Timeliness is not normally an issue as the postal system normally is remarkably fast no matter what service is selected.