Pardon me while I raise the dead...

I'm sure this has been brought up numerous times I'm sure but I do have a few quick questions concerning shipping coins to TPGs, ANACS specifically.
I've got their recent form and on it requests coins to be sent in via 2.5" flips.
All I've got on hand right now are regular 2x2 flips.
Also the total value isn't sky high on all the coins and was wondering about using USPS Priority w/ appropriate insurance to get them there.
Would any of you know how that scenario might turn out?
I'm all ears and thanks in advance for any helpful info.

 

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I did buy some 2.5" flips to submit to ANACS, although I think the rep at the show where I submitted them said 2" flips would've been okay. This would probably be worth a call to their customer service line, unless lots of folks chime in here with "I always use regular flips and it's fine".

As far as shipping, I assume you'll use the USPS calculator to determine whether it's cheaper to do insured Priority or insured Registered. I don't remember where the crossover point is, but I think for a few hundred dollars insured value Priority was cheaper, and I know for a few thousand dollars Registered was much cheaper.

 

For a moment I thought the title was about my love life.

 

YMMV, but my experience, someone at ANACS has a stick where it doesn't belong. Anything I sent in a 2x2 came back with a less desired grade. While everything I sent with a 2.5 flip came with the most desired grade, or better.

My guess is they have large fingers and removing Dollar coins from 2x2 are difficult at best. They probably cut it out, and having it in a larger flip ensures no rubs during removing.

 

I can't even imagine any TPG caring what flips you use. As far as I know, they always transfer them into their own flips anyway. I have submitted to all 3 (PCGS, NGC, and ANACS) using 2X2 flips.

Regarding S&H, I would never send anything to a TPG that wasn't registered mail. The only exception would be if you had a business that had your shipments insured by an independent insurance company.

 

I agree about using registered mail. However, I've had mixed experiences with shipping times using registered mail. Delivery can take up to two weeks. I had a registered package that spent a full week sitting in Chicago (assuming the tracking updates were correct). I've used insured priority mail mostly without any problems; the packages all arrived within 2-3 days from shipping. Eventually, when I decide to sell the rest of my collection, I'll have to be more conscious on how I ship the coins to the auction house.

 

Thanks all for the info. That loud creaking sound you just heard was me opening my wallet to splurge on a pack of 2.5 flips. Again these aren't high end coins but I'll make a decision soon about shipping. Again, thanks for all the replies.

 

I highly doubt they will return the coins and your money to you if you use 2x2 flips.

 

Registered mail is the safest way to ship coins in the U.S. Private insurance companies charge the lowest rate for registered compared to any other shipping method. Last time I checked, around 2022, the breakeven point for regular USPS insurance for priority/parcel versus registered was around $1,200. Less than that value, priority/parcel insurance was cheapest, above it registered was cheapest. Regardless of the type of insurance, it’s better not to have to try to collect on a loss.

Because of security measures, registered travels at its own rate, which varies a lot. I’ve had registered go across the country in 2 days but have also had it take 2 weeks. Postal clerks may offer to sell priority or express service for registered, but it won’t usually speed delivery. There are very specific rules on packaging registered parcels, and they are enforced. Look on usps.com to read them.

Cal

 

I deal with NGC. Not knowing any better, my first two submissions were in 2X2 flips. On return of the second one, they included a brochure specifically mentioning 2.5X2.5. I bought a pack of 100 for fairly cheap and it'll last me quite a few submissions at my current rate.

I have always used a priority mail small flat rate box because of the added protection, with the coins tucked securely in a smaller box within a padded envelope to help fill the box and prevent shifting. I then pay for the extra insurance. My last submission cost about $30 to mail, but registered was going to be even more!

 

Unless they highlighted the section about 2.5x2.5 flips, I think you are reading too much into that. I have used 2X2 flips for dozens of submissions and nobody ever says a word to me.

 

Maybe..lol. I think with small coins, it shouldn't matter, but for half dollar or larger, I think they would like the larger ones.

 

I don't mind sending in subs in 2.5 if that's what the industry standards are at this point. The last time I sent stuff in was the first version of PCI and I used regular 2x2s with no issues.

 

You still got it Rodney

 

Yea but

 

What’s the width of a slab??

 

Some say I never had it!

 

Current NGC slabs are about 2.5 inches wide.

They do mention on the site that the coins shouldn't fit too snugly in the flips, they should be easy to get out. If you put a half dollar or maybe in a 2X2 it takes a little work, sometimes fingers, to get them out. I've never sent in a coin much larger than a quarter, so 2X2 have plenty of room left. But i bought the 100 non PVC flips I use now for around $10 I think, so not a huge cost, especially since they should last me 7-8 submissions.

 

If a collector goes to a show where there is a NGC or PCGS table, they will usually give you 2.5 x 2.5" flips. And you don't have to submit coins there. Sometimes I've seen a box of flips where you just help yourself. But flip costs are very small compared to the cost of acquiring or grading coins. Folks should just buy a bunch of 2.5x2.5 Mylar (polyester) flips from Wizard or some other supplier. These will work for any coin or medal up through 2 oz weight. Bigger than that, I've used polyethylene bags for submission of large medals. Regardless of the primary container, there should be a layer of foam, bubble-wrap or cardboard between each when they go in the shipping box.

Cal

 

Just an update. Submission sent in 2.5 flips via registered mail. I'll post up the end results when they get back.