The large auction houses are covered under private insurance. You can get a policy written - for a fee - to insure anything. As an ANA member, you have some level of access to Hugh Wood: https://hughwood.com/specialties/fine-arts-collectibles/
FINAL ANSWER: First off, thank you all for your valuable and kind input on this subject. So .... here's the "dope": None of the carriers will insure coin shipments to the UK...Period! After 2 hours in chat with eBay's Global Shipping Program, their program WILL cover shipping coins to the UK. So, my decision - to make it simple - is to use eBay's program on all International sales. I know the eBay's program is noted for being expensive and slow and that it might turn-off some international buyers. However, it's just not worth it to chance losing another $3,000.00 worth of coins.
Ask @Bing as hes shipped coins to me before. Also over here (uk) the post office wont insure coins going to anywhere else in the UK because you have to tell them they aren't spendable they are a collectors item.
I may not be doing it correctly, but when I fill in the customs slip I always identify the coins as Collector's medals for research and provide the worth. In all the coins I have sent to Europe and Australia, I've never encountered any problems.
No. Use registered mail. I'm a recipient in UK. I have endless problems with any courier service especially due to misunderstanding the different tax rates, resulting in weeks of arguments. Also the couriers often have crazy delivery policies (one attempt, no note left, package to be picked at very distant warehouse). Post (registered mail) is as smooth as butter on a sunny day. My postman knows me. There's never been a loss. Its fast and safe.
Not true. Modern postage was invented in the UK. We know how handle registered mail. You put the USPS tracking number into the Royal Mail tracking website and you see the US registered mail is segregated and tracked right until its signed for at my door in my UK. Most everyone in this thread is massively over worrying about non existent problems.
Even the original poster who has lost over $3000.00 worth of ancient coins that were shipped to the UK?
I can only report on my own 30 year long experience receiving coins in UK. Perhaps the original poster's issue related to the specific customer, or how the customs labels were marked (much discussion above) or packaged etc. I've had no issues. Never lost a coin sent to me USPS registered mail. The tracking was right to my door. I'd be more inclined to believe what the Royal Mail says about a delivery, than a customer I didn't know who says a package didnt arrive.
It is true but sure. Not going to argue with you any more as I have already explained how and why Priority Mail and Express mail are better for US shippers