How many rolls of modern half dollars can be mailed in a USPS Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box?

USPS Priority Mail Small Flat Rate Box dimensions: 5-3/8" x 8-5/8" x 1-5/8"

"No weighing or calculating needed up to 70 lbs." Therefore, weight is not a problem.

The width of either coin is ~2.15 mm; multiply by 20 to get ~43 mm, or ~1.7 inches. The diameter is 30.6 mm (or 1.2 inches). Add a little bit to account for the paper wrapper and I'm guessing that each roll would be ~2 inches long x 1.5 inches wide.

So if the actual *size* of the rolls is the issue, how many can comfortably fit in a small flat rate box? Assuming that some padding would be used to keep the contents from shifting around, etc.

I'm thinking that up to ten (10) rolls could be sent?

 

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Are they in rolls or are they in ziplock bags? I'd imagine quite a few would fit in a bag that's then placed into the box.

 

As many as you can get in the box. Just make sure they don't make any noise and that you tape the box to death. Tape the label in place as well and I'd insure it for the full value. $50.00 is included but 10 rolls at face is more than that.

Hey Doug, do you need my mailing address? lol

 

If you are not in a hurry for an answer I can check tonight. I have plenty of rolls of half dollars and a few of the small shipping boxes around. I'm just not home to try, though all you need is a box to test.

Either way, I would reinforce the outside of the box with tape (instead of just the one sticky sealing strip) and try to not have the coins shift around at all.

 

I'd think you could get 25-30 rolls in one of those boxes.

 

Sounds about right - two stacked along the 5-3/8" axis and five stacks wide for ~7-1/2". Depending on final roll size, you might manage 4 more across the top because the math technically indicates you'll have 1-3/8" left.

I'd be reinforcing every edge with tape to cram this much weight into it, though.

 

10 or 12 rolls seems about right. Wrap them in bubble wrap or heavy paper to immobilize them inside the box, because you don't want them moving. If you get a flat rate padded envelope, you can fit two small flat rate boxes inside one of those, so you could mail 24 rolls for under $7 (plus signature and/or insurance).

 

Weight is limited to 70 pounds.

 

It's physically impossible to put 70 pounds in a small flat rate box. A brick of osmium, the most dense element there is, the size of a small flat rate box would leave you about 9 pounds short. With the two boxes inside the padded envelope trick, you'd be over the limit shipping plutonium, but then there's that whole "hazardous materials" bit that might get in your way of the clerk accepting the package.

 

Not to mention osmium is a precious metal.

12-13 rolls maybe?

 

"You need insurance with this?"

"Yes, $400,000, please. "

 

I just envisioned the senario at the counter when the clerk asks you about hazardous materials in the package and you say "plutonium"

 

I'd have to dress up as "Doc Brown" from "Back to the Future" of course...

 

I promise not to post your bail if you try this and report back to us. Bonus points for video.

 

In the past when buying from a PM dealer, he has preferred not to send more than 8 rolls of war nickels or 4 rolls of halves in a small flat rate box. I suspect he has had problems. I think it boils down to what is possible and what is practical. Definitely the extra taping and prevention of shifting is a must.
Steve

 

Bail? I'd probably be at some undisclosed black ops site

 

As many as will fit

 

Probably. I'm sure they would have a lot of questions about where a private citizen got his hands on that much plutonium.

 

And saying you're on a mission from God probably won't help smooth it over, either.