Empty Ebay Package Problem

I have not had this happen to me personally, but from my understanding, once a package says 'Delivered' it is out of the seller's responsibility. I would go file a claim with the post office to get things rolling and to see if they can do anything for you.

Email your postmaster at the last USPS destination. Take pictures of the package and include them and describe the scenerio in your email. Keep the package and print out the tracking info. If you get no satisfaction, make a complaint with the BBB and send them copies of your emails and photos.
Also open a case with Paypal and ebay.
You are expected to do everything you can to assist in a case like this.

You've received good advice above. Start the process in person at the post office that delivered the package.

Human contact is often worth a dozen emails.

Unfortunately seller is correct, he has the "legal" means to stand on, morally it is a feature of ebay that to me is a bad business principle. Meant strictly to promote and retain sales through "happy" sellers at the expense as here, of the buyer who now has to hassle the "set system" of "policy". The seller is protected by ebay, they need them more than buyers in their business model

After working as a rural mail carrier for five years, I can attest to how small packages can be "mis-" handled, especially by the regional facility or local clerks in charge of distributing these parcels. The individual carriers for the most part value their jobs too much to try to steal contents, it is usually the newer "sub" or "temporary hire" folks that don't realize 1) there are one way glass "observation" rooms overlooking the work areas, 2) the job of a supervisor is to "monitor" a carrier's performance on a bi-annual basis(they tail your delivery route in unmarked vehicles) or if suspect of malfeasance, the postal dicks(detectives) will. Thieves are usually caught, since they do repeat their performances. Saw subs get taken away in cuffs from the casing floor for dumping those lovely slick advertising junk mail in a dumpster or steam open cards and remove the cash(only) Grandma gift.

Now, can you tell if it was torn open intentionally or became ripped in middle of package? Did the coins sound like a baby's rattle due to improper packaging? Was the parcel TAPED thoroughly on all ends/seams depending on type? Was there any suspicious delay in tracking record(hope you had one)? These are questions that the postmaster will(should) ask. Contact THE POSTMASTER, not your carrier or counter clerk. File a formal complaint through him, and him ALONE! Only way to be assured of any hope it MAY get addressed. You can take pictures and persue the police route if you get no where with your local PO, but only as last resort, they usually refer you back to PO.

Thanks for all of the great feedback. I'll follow your advice and let you know how it turns out.
Crazyb0...to answer a few of your questions. This seller usually packs the coins in a bag, wrapped and taped in bubble wrap and wrapped and taped in an invoice. Great packaging! Typically he requires a signature but I guess since it was less than $100 order he didn't send it that way. It was torn along the end of the envelope like someone opened it. It's possible it was torn by a machine too but doesn't really look like it.

Did the shipper send this in a damaged envelope or keep the item? Did the buyer cut this out and report the item missing? Was the packaged damaged and the item simply lost in shipping? Did a postal worker cut the envelope and take the item? All things ebay, USPS and the insurer have to consider before settling a claim. I truly hope this works out in your favor.

Was the package even insured by the sender?

Agree you should open an issue in the Resolution Center on ebay and persist politely.