Shipping Coins From US To Australia- Please Help!

Thanks for the great advice, everyone! I'll try again using USPS, although I am reluctant to send the coins uninsured.

The face value of these coins (4 $25 gold coins) is only $100... should I insure for that or for the numismatic value of $1400 (minimum)? The gold value would be about $500 or so. It sounds like it might not matter too much, as claims tend to go unanswered? I'm worried that someone in customs might have sticky fingers though, in which case I would be totally screwed without insurance. :/

Should I send multiple packages instead, with lower values per package?

Thanks for your advice and prompt responses... I *really* appreciate it!

Regards,
~neuron

First off I would forget insurance. Secondly send them in separate bubble mailers with an honest face value as hobby supplies or something like that. I have NEVER lost a registered package but they do take longer to get to the destination.

Condor I only ship Registered when it is such value it MUST get there with out a doubt. It is worth the extra bucks to know and, as I said, I never insure. Registered mail MUST be signed for by every carrier that handles the package and when the package is on the ground it must be locked in a safe over night if not in transit. That is why it traditionally takes longer to arrive.

I certainly agree with the comments posted.

I have sent 15 coin packages to Australia, and all have gotten there, although one did take three months!

I just mark the customs form "Numismatic Items," and check the "gift" box.

In Australia if I remember right, if the declared value is over 200 Australian dollars, the tax customs will love to take at least 10% of the value as well as the postage fees (yes, I was taxed a couple of times). Do warn the receiver end that if you do put in higher value on your declaration form, they will tax accordingly to it.

From Kuwait it's even harder being in the middle east.....but I've sent 2 to Australia and both have been received.

I wrote gift on my package.

TheKid!

quote:

---

Condor I only ship Registered when it is such value it MUST get there with out a doubt. It is worth the extra bucks to know and, as I said, I never insure. Registered mail MUST be signed for by every carrier that handles the package and when the package is on the ground it must be locked in a safe over night if not in transit.

---

I agree completely IF you are mailing domesticly. But we are talking about an overseas shipment here. Yes Registered mail must be signed for by every carrier UNTIL IT LEAVES THE US. Once it leaves the US and is turned over to the post office of another country the normal rules for registered mail no longer apply. It may not, and probably won't be signed for by everyone who handles it. It may not be kept locked up overnight and may just be left with the regular mail. That is why the MAXIMUM pay out that the Post Office for a lost overseas Registered mail package is $47 no matter how much it is insured for. They have no control over it and they will not take responsibility for it if it is lost or stolen. So if the most coverage you have is $47, why pay the high registered mail fees? (I believe that Registered mail to APO addresses still have the normal Registered mail protection.)

Condor while I agree with your statement entirely the point I was trying to make was the fact insurance is worthless and, at the same time, I have NOT lost a package to any destination in the world whether it be registered or not. Registering is more for my frame of mind as I am well aware of what postal authorities are like in many other nations and most collectors in other countries will not hesitate to give you proper instructions if needed.

Bobby the point I was trying to make is the fact that face value description is not in violation of the law. If you are sending $3.85 worth of Euro's out and insurance is not an option, regardless of what they are actually worth, whether it be $100 or $1,000, customs officials are not in the position to declare your gift as more than what you have stated. To the non collector the package may only have a $3.85 value but to someone on the other end who needs said coins the value to them could be considerably more as is demonstrated quite often on ebay.

Well thanks again for the help everyone. I shipped the coins a few hours ago described as "Numismatic Collectibles", claimed the actual value paid (and provided copies of the receipt), and insured for that amount as well. I indicated that they were "merchandise" and not a gift. I didn't want to do anything fraudulent and I definitely wanted to insure them, if for no other reason than peace of mind. I have a couple more to send out as well, so I hope this works. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Regards,
~neuron