Stolen Coins - Becoming More and More Common

In the past several months, there have been more reports of coin thefts or missing coins than usual. Most importantly, every time a coin is stolen the owner's safety is also at risk.

Here are some tips to minimize coin thefts and hopefully help keep you and your coins safer.

Be careful who you tell that you collect coins. You might be very close friends with someone and feel comfortable telling them you collect coins, and in return, it might be very easy for them to innocently tell others that you have coins. The fewer people who know that you collect coins, the safer your coins are!

If you're buying coins through the mail, it's always best to have them delivered to your postal box. This way, coins won't get left on your doorstep or even worse, get delivered to the wrong address. If you're currently receiving numerous coins at your address, the odds are someone else knows you have coins in your home.

Also, if you subscribe to coin-related content that indicates coins on the shipping label, you should have them delivered to a postal box. If you don't have a postal box you should definitely get one. Postal boxes can be rented for as low as $14 for six months or less than $30 a year. It's a very inexpensive way to keep others from knowing you have or receive coins in your home.

When traveling with coins, plan ahead. Fill up your gas tank or run any errands before you pick up or deliver any valuables. Even pack a lunch if you need too. This might be better than stopping at the wrong place to eat while leaving your coins unattended.

If delivering valuable coins through the mail, always ship Registered Insured Mail with Restricted Delivery. This way the delivery worker can only drop off your item to the correct individual and your coin is tracked and insured every step of the way. Also, never indicate coins are in the package. If you're shipping to Joe Smith's Coin Shop, indicate Joe Smith only or J.S.C.S., but never put the word coins on the shipping label.

Do not under-insure to try to save a couple dollars. If a coin does get lost, you will lose a lot more on the insurance reimbursement claim. Insure for at least what you paid for the item or what it is worth retail.

Always keep your coins as safe as possible. Either have a safe or store them at a bank safety deposit box.

Always keep records on what you paid for the coins. Keep a scan of the coin holder and certification information and if possible, keep a good high-resolution image of the front and back of your coin. Keep records of all shipping receipts in case you have to file a claim.

For really expensive coins, it is recommended that the coins are graded through PCGS Secure Plus Service. This way, if the coin is ever lost or stolen or even altered to change its appearance, the coin can always be traced if resubmitted through PCGS Secure Plus.

When driving with coins or coin-related materials, keep your coins or coin related materials out of sight.

At coin shows, always wear coin show badges at a coin show only. And don't forget to take off the coin show badges before you leave a coin show.

Most importantly, use common sense when dealing with coins. When talking about coins or buying or selling coins over the phone or in person outside of a coin show or a coin shop, make sure you do it privately. You don't want anyone else to hear or see what you're buying or selling; you never know who might be listening or watching. Remember, the fewer people who know that you have coins, the safer your coins are.

Finally, if you are ever robbed and feel that your life is at risk, just give the coins up. Coins can always be replaced, but on the other hand, you can't.