I used to live in Pennsylvania and used the USPS (registered, insured) to send coins to GC. I sent 2 packages and followed them through Cincinnatti and other places. They were pretty darn slow, more than 10 days. One got stuck outside of Irvine for over 5 days and I filed a complaint and after several phone calls, it finally got unstuck and it was delivered. So, I felt pretty OK with it, even though I filed a complaint, and would do it again. I now live in metro-Atlanta. In 2024, the USPS opened up the new "Atlanta Regional Processing & Distribution Center (RPDC)" in Palmetto, GA. Nearly all the region's mail, including registered and insured, flows through this facility. What a mess. Not only are regular citizens complaining about it, but local officials, state officials, and even the Georgia lawmakers in Congress are complaining and they have involved the Postmaster General. Mail and packages get "lost" (stolen) and it is suggested, here and there, that it might be an inside job. I am not feeling pretty OK about sending anything through this place. Essentially, there is no way to avoid it if you live in metro-Atlanta and still use the USPS. So, what to do? Other than waiting for a coin show within driving distance where GC will have a booth (Sept 3, IMEX, Nashville) is UPS or FedEx a reasonable alternative? If so, what level of service would you use? Thanks!!
UPS or FedEx are your next options. Both tend to cost more. You can go on each website and they should have calculators that let you plug in what you are sending to get the prices depending on the speed and insurance. If you have a large amount of coins to send, it is likely worth the extra cost to have the peace of mind. However, if it is just one or two coins, you might want to wait until a show or a point at which you have more coins to sell.
Yup, UPS or FedEx are your choices. But, you will need private insurance. I have private insurance and use it for all coin shipments including USPS. Private insurance has some advantages: 1. You can use any carrier (but rates may vary depending on your choice of carrier). 2. You write a big fat zero for value on the shipping document. This cuts the chance of theft quite a bit. If you are going to send coins to NGC or PCGS, you need to find out the shipping address they use for UPS or FedEx. Cal
I'm sure their calculators will let you plug in a value and calculate insurance, but their fine print still specifically excludes coins, or at least it did the last time I checked. As @calcol said, you need to use private insurance with them, or be big enough to get special terms from them (the US Mint uses them for some customer shipments).
I wouldn't worry much about security of registered mail ... it is the most secure shipping there is. My insurance company charges the lowest rate by far for registered mail compared to parcel post, express mail, priority mail or any of the UPS or FedEx services. Registered mail is handled separately from other mail using special containers, security rooms and sign-offs at each transfer. There is also a separate tracing and investigating service for delayed or missing registered mail ... I know from experience, and they are very good. Downside is registered mail can be slow, even if you pay extra for priority or express. Cal
USPS is cheaper and can take long but it’s the safest. The main slow downs are the facilities the mail goes through. Georgia has always been a problem. UPS and Fed-X are the next best but I’ve never used them.
Maybe stick with USPS BUT wrap your items in a way that they can't easily be pilfered. Triple boxed with your return information or the shipping label on each box. All boxes well taped and use the tinfoil/aluminum foil barrier if you need to.
