Hi All I ordered some rare/expensive published coins from the Michael Prieur collection of roman provincial in last CNG auction. but the tracking number shows the same status for over a week now. I contacted the postal service and they say it is with customs. But why custom is so slow on processing this? I am worried they never release it . Does any one have experience with ancient coins in customs? What is best way to speed it up?
Depending on which nation's customs, it can take a few to several days. I don't know of any way to speed it up.
It has been in customs for more than a week. It is unusual. It should be 1-3 days max. I should say what Augustus said once. "Quiltilius Verus, give me back my legions" now I say "Customs, Give me back my ancient coins!"
There was a gov't shutdown, I'm curious how that could have affected or backlogged certain items coming into the country?
6 months Swiss customs took.... And they don't always put things back as shipped! Ordered ear rings from a dealer in the Caymans. I had dealing before with this jewler.j He knew they were a gift and wrapped them as such.... Opened package wrapping paper tore up , ear ring now loose in the box banging against each other.....unbelievable Good luck and keep tracking the pkg.
I've had coins/packages take that long or longer to clear customs (US). Are you in the US? The delay is probably nothing to worry about.
Thanks guys. The issue is I am worried they get lost/stolen. The problem is although CNG would compensate if stolen or lost but that would be useless as I can not get those PUBLISHED coins again maybe for years until they appear in auctions again! This is my main worry otherwise if they were no provenance coins I wouldn't have cared much if lost as long as I get money back!
The time in customs varies depending on how electronic the form is and if you get a random inspection. Time also varies depending on which customs office it goes through. Here are some recent times for me: 4 days, 3 days, 1 day, 0 days, 16 days, 7 days, 3 day, 1 day.
I had one coin pass through the ISC NY (International mail facility) and sit for 16 days in customs before it suddenly showed up. On the other hand, I've had another coin there for only one day before the tracking status resumed.
Customs can do anything that pleases them. They can seize the property and they don't have to notify you. It can take months for customs to process an item, just depends on what country and what it is.
I had two solar lighting units that took two months to get here from Hong Kong. When I received them the seals on the boxes were opened. I suppose they looked inside the units for contraband. But it was worth the wait, They are awesome. Keep the faith.
Safest way to have coins sent is via "neutral" registered letter, no description/ value.....never a problem. Cuts down on MIA shipments too!
