Postal Insurance Claims-Publication Number & Link for Reference

MICHAELDIXON · July 13, 2005 1:30PM

Myself, like many of you, has a postal employee telling me I can't insure or file a claim for a lost coin. I did a search on the boards and nobody has referenced where it says you can insure coins. I sent a question to the Q & A section of the Post Office site and they sent back a standard line which didn't answer the question. Being upset, I decided to find the answer, print it out and take it to the Postal Employee who processes the claims.
.
Here is the answer:
U.S. Postal Service Publication #122 Dated October 2010 (page 8)
.

Click for USPS Publication

UPDATED September 28, 2011 with the current regulation.

19Lyds · July 13, 2005 11:23PM

Great Detective work!

Thanks, I've saved this to disk for future reference. Others should as well as you never know when you will run into an "uninformed" postal employee.

I was shipping a registered parcel to PCGS once and the clerk refursed to register the package because I had added cellophane tape to my return address label to insure that it did not fall off. He stated no cellophane tape! I agreed in that paper tape must be used to secure the package seams but this was just accros the return address label! Nope, no cellophane tape!

I took it to another post office who gladly registered and shipped the parcel. Sheesh, give a man some rope and ......... he'll try to hang you!

bushmaster8 · July 14, 2005 12:56AM

Excellent info...THANKS!!

cosmicdebris · July 14, 2005 1:04AM

This is interesting as they always tell me the sender has to do this:

<<Who Can File
Damage or Loss of Contents
Either the mailer or addressee may file a claim.
Note: If the mailer initiates the claim, then the
addressee should retain the article including the
container and packaging for inspection by the local
Post Office™ and should not return it to the mailer.
Failure to return it properly in accordance with
Postal Service regulations could result in denial of
the claim.>>

SUPERCARCOINS · July 14, 2005 2:57AM

lest anyone forget " there is no way to track a lost insured package through the USPS " UNLESS you get delivery confirmation or the likes as well .

Wolf359 · July 14, 2005 3:03AM

I was shipping a registered parcel to PCGS once and the clerk refursed to register the package because I had added cellophane tape to my return address label to insure that it did not fall off. He stated no cellophane tape! I agreed in that paper tape must be used to secure the package seams but this was just accros the return address label! Nope, no cellophane tape!

I took it to another post office who gladly registered and shipped the parcel. Sheesh, give a man some rope and ......... he'll try to hang you!

I had another clerk tell me all insured merchandise must go registered mail. She insisted, so I always refused to allow her to wait
on me after that. No problems with any other clerk or post office with first class insured.

And thanks for the info, Mike.

relayer · July 14, 2005 3:26AM

Good Info.

I've had package with a $60 coin not delivered (and the seller only insured it for $50) and package that was ripped open and the $700 gold coin was missing.

Both times I've collected the insurance without any problem (the $50 one they paid at the post office, the $700 went through St. Louis).

It was slow, but not a problem

wayneherndon · July 14, 2005 3:42AM

Great info MD. The other shipping services' (e.g. FedEx and UPS) terms of service prohibit the shipping of collectible coins (even though it is often done). So, even if one gets a clerk to accept it, one will have problems collecting on a claim.

FedEx terms of service state:

"You are prohibited from tendering the following items for shipment, and they will not be accepted:
Cash, currency, collectible stamps and coins." Link Click on FedEx Express US and then #31 Prohibited Items.

UPS terms of service state:

"(c) No service shall be rendered in the transportation of articles of unusual value (as defined in the UPS Tariff), including, but not limited to:
...
(ii) Coins, currency, postage stamps, negotiable instruments (except checks), money orders, unset precious stones, and industrial diamonds;"
Link Click on Terms and Conditions of Service in the footer then scroll down about to the section titled Commodities Handled and Restrictions on Service.

Most of the companies that use UPS and FedEx to ship coins have third party insurance.

WH

weresteve · July 14, 2005 4:11AM

<< lest anyone forget " there is no way to track a lost insured package through the USPS " UNLESS you get delivery confirmation or the likes as well . >>

Delivery Confirmation is the only option that the USPS allows people who are not postal employees to track. All other methods of delivery such as registered, insured, COD, etc can be tracked by the Postal Service through their corporate intranet ... provided that all information has been entered into the system along the package's route.

michael · July 14, 2005 4:12AM

the best coin thread so far this week

19Lyds · July 14, 2005 4:24AM

<< Delivery Confirmation is the only option that the USPS allows people who are not postal employees to track. All other methods of delivery such as registered, insured, COD, etc can be tracked by the Postal Service through their corporate intranet ... provided that all information has been entered into the system along the package's route. >>

I will disagree with not being able to track registered mail as I do track my registered parcels to PCGS once they have entered the system through the usps web site.

From last April:

Label/Receipt Number: RB87 0441 338U S
Status: Delivered

Your item was delivered at 8:27 am on April 08, 2005 in NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92658. The item was signed for by W PENHOLLOW. A proof of delivery record may be available through your local Post Office for a fee.

Additional information for this item is stored in files offline.

This was without purchasing "Delivery Confirmation" but then I shall just assume that delivery confirmation is a part of the registered mail package.

geb209 · July 14, 2005 4:37AM

USPS told me that I could insure a coin but I wouldn't get anything because I could never prove value. Hmm, encapslulated, recent sale at arms' length, etc.

wayneherndon · July 14, 2005 5:11AM

The PO will pay coin insurance claims. For items with a purchase receipt or other proof of value, the claim is relatively easy. Where you have problems is when value was added after acquisition (e.g., by upgrading, certification of raw coins (e.g., valuable high grade moderns cherrypicked from inexpensive rolls or proof or mint sets)) where the value claimed is well in excess of the original purchase price.

WH

AlixTCat · July 14, 2005 5:35AM

<< Myself, like many of you, has a postal employee telling me I can't insure or file a claim for a lost coin. I did a search on the boards and nobody has referenced where it says you can insure coins. I sent a question to the Q & A section of the Post Office site and they sent back a standard line which didn't answer the question. Being upset, I decided to find the answer, print it out and take it to the Postal Employee who processes the claims.
.
Here is the answer:
U.S. Postal Service Publication #122 Dated April 2005 (page 9 and 10)
.

Click for USPS Publication #122 >>

Payable claims:

"Fair market value of stamps and coins..."

I assume that means stamps and coins are covered. However, what about bullion. I see some reference to bullion made in the Express Mail service claims section. Up to $15 per shipment. What about first class mail that is insured. Many "coins" are truly bullion. Pandas, SAEs, etc. Are they covered if insured? I have looked through the pdf, but can't find any reference to bullion except in the Express Mail service section.

Thanks for any input.

Jonathan

AlixTCat · July 14, 2005 5:38AM

<< lest anyone forget " there is no way to track a lost insured package through the USPS " UNLESS you get delivery confirmation or the likes as well . >>

Just use USPS.com to print your Priority Mail label and voila! It is traceable. Granted you have to not be lazy and actually take the package TO the PO and hand it to a clerk for them to scan it in, but it works very well. The Delivery Confirmation is FREEEEEE! (And why would anyone send something valuable by First Class? Save like a buck and it takes a week longer. A week longer means more hands it travels through and more chance it could get lost or stolen.)

Jonathan

MICHAELDIXON · July 14, 2005 10:23AM

I filed the claim today. The guy was adamant about coins not being insurable. He disputed what the postal regulation stated. I think I finally got his attention when I told him: "You're supposed to be the resident expert here. You should be embarrassed that I'm having to train you in your job!"

wjd283 · July 14, 2005 10:34AM

Thanx for the info.I've had smoe problems filing claims in the past.

MICHAELDIXON · January 11, 2007 1:54PM

To the top for those who need this information.

robertpr · January 11, 2007 2:06PM

<< 

<< lest anyone forget " there is no way to track a lost insured package through the USPS " UNLESS you get delivery confirmation or the likes as well . >>

Just use USPS.com to print your Priority Mail label and voila! It is traceable. Granted you have to not be lazy and actually take the package TO the PO and hand it to a clerk for them to scan it in, but it works very well. The Delivery Confirmation is FREEEEEE! (And why would anyone send something valuable by First Class? Save like a buck and it takes a week longer. A week longer means more hands it travels through and more chance it could get lost or stolen.)

Jonathan >>

Yep, that's true. Plus, although they no longer send the boxes to the post offices, you can order the priority boxes for free on the usps website, in bundles of 10 or 25. They'll ship them to you free as well. The free boxes and free delivery confirmation more than make up for the added cost of priority vs. 1st class.

mrpaseo · January 11, 2007 2:07PM

<< I filed the claim today. The guy was adamant about coins not being insurable. He disputed what the postal regulation stated. I think I finally got his attention when I told him: "You're supposed to be the resident expert here. You should be embarrassed that I'm having to train you in your job!" >>

Now that's funny, I probably would have paid to see the look on his face

50cents · January 11, 2007 2:30PM

A very good post... Thanks!

53BKid · January 11, 2007 7:24PM

<< I filed the claim today. The guy was adamant about coins not being insurable. He disputed what the postal regulation stated. I think I finally got his attention when I told him: "You're supposed to be the resident expert here. You should be embarrassed that I'm having to train you in your job!" >>

OH, WAY TO GO!

He's totally in the wrong.

Funny how emotional he got, maybe a call to the postmaster might straiten the rude fellow out.

BAJJERFAN · January 11, 2007 9:23PM

<< I was shipping a registered parcel to PCGS once and the clerk refursed to register the package because I had added cellophane tape to my return address label to insure that it did not fall off. He stated no cellophane tape! I agreed in that paper tape must be used to secure the package seams but this was just accros the return address label! Nope, no cellophane tape! >>

I was under the impression that the address on a registered package had to be hand-written and that peelable labels were not allowed, tho this no longer seems to be the case.

MICHAELDIXON · February 23, 2007 4:17AM

TTT for JB!

Bochiman · February 23, 2007 8:06AM

Page 10 letter g.

Best thing ever...and use the Coin Values or PCGS Price guide for the pricing

MICHAELDIXON · January 25, 2008 9:50AM

Brought to the top!

MICHAELDIXON · August 6, 2008 12:22AM

This is still valid information.

Smittys · August 6, 2008 12:46AM

way down there but:

g. Fair market value of stamps and coins of
philatelic or numismatic value, as determined by
a recognized stamp or coin dealer or current coin
and stamp collector’s newsletter and trade paper.

Nice to know

CoinsAreNeat · August 6, 2008 1:07AM

Thanks for your help MichaelDixon

MICHAELDIXON · April 1, 2010 1:05PM

This was still valid the last time I checked (Nov 2009).

mrearlygold · April 1, 2010 1:35PM

MICHAELDIXON · June 4, 2010 6:05AM

This is still valid as of today.

MICHAELDIXON · September 28, 2011 7:11AM

Updated with the current Publication #122 which states on page 8 coins are insurable.

Click for USPS Publication

Page 8 states:

"The fair market value of stamps and coins of philatelic or numismatic value, as determined
by a recognized stamp or coin dealer or current coin and stamp collector’s newsletter
and trade paper."

MsMorrisine · September 28, 2011 7:26AM

I also note on page 7:
For the following items, the maximum indemnity
allowed:
¨C ¡ö For negotiable items, gift cards, currency, or
bullion, the maximum indemnity is $15.

also on page 8,
Federal, state, or city sales tax paid on articles lost
or totally damaged.

Coins911 · September 28, 2011 7:28AM

I had the USPS pay a claim for a lost coin last month. They paid a little over $100 for a $250 coin with no explanation as to how they came up with that number i'm still fighting them about this issue

MICHAELDIXON · May 25, 2012 12:41PM

To the top (again).

MICHAELDIXON · September 8, 2012 1:15PM

To the top again!

agentjim007 · September 8, 2012 1:18PM

DaggoB · September 8, 2012 1:47PM

Thank you

MICHAELDIXON · October 1, 2012 12:14PM

To the top AGAIN!

fenian · December 18, 2012 1:23PM

Can anyone offer any guidance with a USPS insurance claim? I shipped a coin Priority with signature confirmation and insured it for $350 in July, 2012. Coin was lost at final destination and was never signed for by the recipient. Post Office had records to show it arrived at the Post Office but went missing from there. I filed a claim in September and sent photos of the coin, credit card statement showing purchase and dated, paid invoice. USPS denied claim as "Negotiable item, currency or bullion". Coin was a 1702 German States Wurzburg thaler. I know this is US forum but couldn't find any threads for this topic in the World section as all the insurance claim thread are in the US section. I originally submitted the claim under the "Collectibles" category but someone at USPS changed it to "Cash, Gift Cards/Certificates".

Claim was partially paid $19 at the end of November. I called and was informed the payment was for my original mail cost plus $15 for cash, currency, bullion. They informed me about submitting an appeal. I did my research and used the information here that pointed me to their USPS Publication - "What Types of Claims are Payable" section g - "The fair market value of stamps and coins of philatelic or numismatic value, as determined by a recognized stamp or coin dealer or current coin and stamp collector’s newsletter and trade paper." I provided them with the Krause German coins catalog information on this coin.

Claim was denied again yesterday. I don't know the reason why this time and I know I can file for a final appeal but was wondering if anyone could offer suggestions on how to proceed or ask them? Thanks in advance for your help!!

lava · December 18, 2012 5:11PM

I hope none of us ever need this.

1tommy · December 18, 2012 9:28PM

I had 2 RAW coins stolen last month at the PO in Anaheim on its way to pcgs and am going thru this process right now. I did talk to the head guy in claims in washington dc and he told me that I COULD have insured my 2 coins for there perceived value (which I have always been told you cannot) As long as you have proof of the previous sales for that coin they will pay the value. He also told me to expect a denial twice thru St louis and than it goes to his office in washington for the appeal. Where they do really look into the value of the coin itself. I will copy the numbers that another member sent me and will send you a pm and that might help. I would also ask them why they changed your form as I was told to submit under collectables. Good luck with your claim and for me no amount of money will replace the 2 coins I lost. Other boards members just don't understand this, and hopefully they will never have to go thru this to understand where I was coming from. Enjoy

OPA · December 18, 2012 10:46PM

<< Updated with the current Publication #122 which states on page 8 coins are insurable.

Click for USPS Publication

Page 8 states:

"The fair market value of stamps and coins of philatelic or numismatic value, as determined
by a recognized stamp or coin dealer or current coin and stamp collector’s newsletter
and trade paper." >>

never mind

Postal Insurance Claims-Publication Number & Link for Reference

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Postal Insurance Claims-Publication Number &amp; Link for Reference

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Postal Insurance Claims-Publication Number & Link for Reference