NGC Submission? I need some advice

I want to know what shipping method to use to send my valuable coins to NGC. I'm using registered mail for their safe return.

Can I use registered or certified to send them in, or should I just use priority with insurance? Problem is I don't know if they will accept registered or certified mail. I've been burned by priority and regular insurance in dealing with coins in the past so I don't really want to go that route. Please help.

Thanks

 

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I just finished sending in a coin to NGC a little over three weeks ago. They request that you use Registered Insured U. S. Mail. And they request that you pay for your coin/s return using the same way. So what this all leads up to is are your coin/s vauable enough to justify the expense.
For the coin I sent in, which belongs to a friend, did justify the expense. It was a once in three life times coin.
The costs were:
1) $109 to become a "premium member".
2) $185 for grading, imaging, and return shipping.
3) $56 for sending it to NGC by Reg. Ins. U. S. Mail

Your cost will be less for items 2 and 3.

 

NGC does accept registered mail, certified mail, express mail and priority mail.

In 2002 I sent a coin to PCGS via insured priority mail. It vanished in the post and, perhaps, coindicentially, a Newport Beach USPS employee was charged with theft a short time later. Since then, I've sent exactly three coins to grading services by anything other than registered mail. In each case, they were worth less than $350.

 

Of course, a lot depends on the value of the coins you are submitting, but since it is coming all the way from Alaska, I recommend that you use Registered Mail since every postal employee who handles the package must log it in or out, and these records are easily traced. Registered Mail provides insurance up to $25K, but you must still pay for the insurance for the declared amount. Some people think it is free or included in the shipping price, but it is not. The biggest hassle with Registered Mail is that you must use the special reinforced tape that you have to moisten (I use a sponge) and be sure that the tape covers all seams of the box or package.

With any other method of shipping, i.e. Express, Priority, etc., paying the additional fee for Tracking is a waste of money. All it will tell you is that a package is received/shipped from one point to the next. From Alaska to Florida, the package may be processed through a half dozen facilities and 100 or more people could handle it, but you have no way of knowing who.

Chris

 

I just sent in some modern coins, it was my first submission ever and I wanted to test the water with some Ike dollars. I sent them via insured priority mail. After reading this post if I submit my peace dollars in the future I'll for sure send those gals by registered mail. Thanks guys some good stuff in this thread.

 

Registered for sure because that is a long trip, and kinda risky since they're worth about $4,000. I'll have to make a preshipping trip to the post office to find out the exact process. I've never used registered mail before. Do they need to see/verify what's inside before I seal it? And where do I find this 'special' tape??
Thanks a lot guys good info so far!

 

The PO does not need to see the contents beforehand. Like I said, just make sure you have the tape covering all of the seams of the package.

Note: When completing the address, be sure to write out Numismatic Guaranty Corp. Simply putting "NGC" is not acceptable to the PO.

Check with an office supply store in your area for the reinforced tape. It's 3" wide and the roll is about 6" in diameter. Be sure to let them know that it is for sending packages via Registered Mail. If they don't have it in stock, I'm sure they can order it.

Chris

 

My post office has never objected to me placing "NGC" in the address. IMHO that is kind of like shouting "coins" to most everyone handling it.
Just sent a package to them on Monday.

 

Did you send it registered mail, or something different?

 

I always send by registered mail with insurance when submitting to NGC.

 

same here - I have always sent them to NGC.

Speedy

 

It wouldn't surprise me in the least. All I can tell you is that my branch says that it must be written out, and I have gotten the same response from two other branch offices in this county. Could it be that some employees just don't care one way or another?

Chris

 

Secrecy In Shipping

I agree with your advice, and will never use the complete name of any firm that is associated with valuable items. Over the years I've learned the "hard way" that there is virtually no accountability in the U.S. postal system, and even when you can prove that someone has committed a felony using the postal system, postal inspectors will not initiate efforts unless they have a large portfolio on an entity. Postal employees know which packages are valuable, and the relative value, as different colored labels are used for increasing value. I believe only registered mail parcels are monitored in the system, all others being handled with minimal (to none in a rural area) security. It seems, the postal management doesn't want to be held accountable, inasmuch as there are numerous constraints for shipping via registered mail, the costs are significant, the wrapping process horrendous. In the event of a loss, you must prove what was shipped, and the items' value. Living in a rural area, I've tried on numerous occasions to acquire the special tape dictated by U.S.P.S.. Postal employees and stationery suppliers look at you as if your talking a foreign language when you ask for "registered shipping" wrapping tape, or where it might be acquired. I've had the least problems by shipping un-insured, which I believe, PCGS, NGC will not allow. Even the U.S. Mint ships packages without postal insurance, using a "clandestine" shipping route. :rolling:

 

Ask for brown paper tape - the type that you have to "wet" with water before it will stick! LOL Sometimes that is the only way people know what you are talking about.

Around here the PO will keep a supply of the tape behind the desk and if the box isn't too big, they will just give it to you to use.

Speedy

 

I always use Registered mail. Never has a problem.

 

Registered Mail is how I have always shipped to NGC or PCGS. Registered Mail is actually far less expensive than insured mail at the $4,000 level of insurance coverage. However, the sercurity comes with added time to the destination, but I have never minded that aspect of the service. You cannot use plastic tape or have any plastic tape showing on your package. All seams must be covered with reinforced paper tape that is applied by wetting the back of the tape and then applying it to the package. The post office does not need to know what is in the package and, if asked, you need only reply "merchandise" or "product" or some similar statement. Lastly, keep your receipt after mailing since you will need the number on the receipt should be package disappear (this is highly unlikely with Registered Mail) or be damaged in transit.

 

My P.O. Branch wants the coin box or envelope wrapped in brown paper, as in grocery bags. They want that brown paper tape used because the " registered mail" stamp ink will not smear or wipe off as it would with brown or clear plastic tape.
My hang up with Reg. Insured Mail is that it takes a long time to reach Sarasota, FL. From here in NY to Florida took one week. Also there was virtually no tracking information . I do know that reg. Ins. Mail is locked up in a secure area every 24hours or night.

 

My last Registered Mail from FL to CA took 4 days. A week is ridiculous. They probably stopped in Atlantic City on the way south.

Chris

 

I wouldn't doubt it. That's it on my avatar. 1854-D $3 Dollar Gold coin.
NGC AU55. zeke

 

Anything under $1000 I always send via priority mail in the small flat rate box with insurance and delivery confirmation. I have never had any problems. Anything over $1000 always go via registered mail. Below is the prices for various levels.

Priority mail in Small flat rate box with insurance and delivery confirmation.
$12.35 for $500
$17.35 for $1000
$22.35 for $1500

Registered Mail in Small flat rate box.
$18.05 for $500
$19.40 for $1000
$20.75 for $1500



PS I always use just NGC when mailing the coins.