A coin’s numismatic value depends directly on its condition. A scratch, a dent on the edge of a gold Napoleon, or a capsule that cracks during shipping can reduce its value by 30 to 50 percent. This guide outlines professional protocols for securing your shipments—from commemorative euros to ancient coins—and highlights a critical, often-overlooked fact: most carriers exclude or drastically limit insurance coverage for collectible coins, leaving the shipper vulnerable to total loss in the event of damage.
Shipping Considerations for Numismatists
Collectible items include a diverse range of items: modern coins (commemorative euros, bullion coins, BU series), ancient coins (Roman denarii, Greek drachmas, medieval silver), and medals and decorations (military, commemorative). Each category requires appropriate protection using Leuchtturm GRIPS rigid capsules (14 to 41 mm in diameter) made of scratch-resistant, pH-neutral plastic.
Basic rule: Never remove a coin from its original capsule for shipping. The seal is part of the coin’s numismatic value. For fragile antique coins (unstable patina, delicate bronze), use QUADRUM Intercept capsules with active anti-oxidation protection (technology that neutralizes corrosive gases, 15-year warranty).
Major risks: Prolonged vibrations during transport cause repeated micro-impacts on antique items. For modern coins, the main risk is cracking of the plastic capsule. Sensitive metals (copper, unprotected silver) develop accelerated “toning” (colored oxidation) if exposed to moisture during transport. Finally, the “high-value/low-volume” profile attracts opportunistic theft at sorting centers → absolute discretion is mandatory.
Individual Protection of Parts and Batch Organization
Capsules and cases are required
Professional standard: rigid capsule per item. Leuchtturm offers 33 different diameters (14–41 mm), with a standardized thickness of 3 mm (inside) / 5 mm (outside). For irregularly shaped items (non-circular ancient coins, oval medals), use MAGIC CAPSULES with a flexible membrane that conforms exactly to the item’s contours.
Cost-effective option for large quantities: MATRIX cardboard cases (50×50 mm) without acid-based plastic coating, featuring a transparent, anti-glare liner. A critical mistake is leaving multiple pieces loose in a bag, even a padded one. Friction causes deep scratches; apply the same principle as in fine jewelry, where delicate chains are secured to a rigid support.
Organized Storage of Lots
For 10–50 pieces: Leuchtturm Volterra medal cases or NUMIS cases with compartmentalized felt trays. Use the included spacers to secure incomplete rows: without these spacers, the capsules will slide and knock against each other. For batches without a coin case: group the capsules in a small rigid box (15×10×5 cm) with foam dividers between each piece, and fill any gaps with crumpled tissue paper.
Validation test: Gently shake the closed container => no sound of movement should be audible.
Tips for Safe Shipping Packaging
Choosing a Container
Absolutely avoid: plain kraft envelopes or standard bubble wrap envelopes (prone to creasing, allowing the contents to be felt, and crushing under pressure).
Recommendations by category:
- 1-10 pièces (<500g) : Enveloppe matelassée renforcée (épaisseur 4-5 mm) + carton rigide plié autour capsules
- 10–50 pieces (500 g–2 kg): Single-wall corrugated cardboard box (20 × 15 × 10 cm)
- Value >€5,000: Double packaging required (small box inside a second, larger box, with 8–10 cm of space between them, and multi-layer padding)
Professional Multilayer Sizing
Cardboard base: 8–10 cm of high-density polyethylene foam (25–35 kg/m³) or compact crumpled kraft paper. This layer absorbs vertical impacts during falls.
Placement: Center the medal/box with an equal margin of 8–10 cm on all sides. Wrap it in 2–3 layers of bubble wrap (10–15 mm bubbles facing inward), and secure with paper tape.
Side filling: Fill all gaps with ultra-dense crumpled paper or packing material. Verification: Insert your hand; if the inner box moves more than 2–3 mm in any direction, the packing is insufficient.
Top: Leave a 5–8 cm gap before sealing. Seal with reinforced kraft tape (75 mm) in an H-shape: a central strip, plus cross strips at the ends, and diagonal strips at the corners.
Privacy and Customs Compliance
Absolute discretion
NEVER mention the following on the outside of the package: gold, silver, coins, currency, numismatics, or collecting. Use acceptable, neutral descriptions instead: “Administrative documents,” “Office supplies,” or “Educational materials.”
Douanes : Envois intra-UE = aucune déclaration requise. Expéditions hors UE = formulaires CN22 (<300€) ou CN23 (>300€) obligatoires avec mention " Pièces monnaie numismatiques usage collection, non circulation " + valeur exacte. Cette précision respecte les obligations légales tout en carifiant la finalité non-commerciale.
Internal documents: Enclose an A4 sheet with the sender’s and recipient’s full contact information, plus a copy of the packing slip or invoice. Be sure to keep the original documents.
Carriers' Insurance Exclusions: Facts
This section highlights a critical, well-documented fact: major carriers exclude or drastically limit coverage for collectible items.
La Poste / Colissimo: Limit €5,000 and no coins accepted
According to La Poste’s Specific Conditions for Declared Value Mail, it is prohibited to include currency (banknotes) or coins in Declared Value Mail. The text specifies that collectible coins may be shipped “in the form of jewelry” (an ambiguous wording that effectively excludes coins in their raw form).
The Ad Valorem Colissimo option has a maximum limit of €1,000 for individuals. High effective rates (1.5–1.9%) apply to the €300–€600 brackets. Standard processing time for “ disputes ”: 60–90 days.
DHL, UPS, TNT: flat-out refusal
Eurosender explicitly states: "DHL, UPS, and TNT will not accept packages containing coins for shipment. " Reason: "Since collectible coins are included in the list of restricted or prohibited items by most shipping companies, insurance does not apply. "
CGB, a recognized numismatic firm, uses exclusively Colissimo (in France) and DHL (within the Schengen Area), but only through specific business contracts that have been negotiated and are not available to individuals.
Practical consequence
Real-life scenario: a set of 25 commemorative 2€ coins (worth 3,500€) shipped via Colissimo Ad Valorem with a declared value of 1,000€. The package was lost in transit.
- Maximum compensation: 1,000€ (Limit)
- Uncovered net loss: €2,500
- Claim deadline: (Too?) many days
For lots containing gold Napoleons, insurance coverage may be denied entirely because they are considered “fractional currency” under strict terms and conditions.
Claisy supports numismatists' expeditions
Given the structural limitations of carrier insurance, Claisy offers specialized ad valorem coverage.
Coverage Settings
Limits per shipment: €100,000 / £85,000 / $115,000 (USD)
Comprehensive coverage: Breakage/damage, total loss, theft, "delivered but not received," subject to Claisy's General Terms and Conditions (reporting deadlines, proof of value, and reservations on the delivery slip in case of damage)
Fixed rate: 0.60 Excluding VAT of the declared value (applied uniformly to the exact value; no brackets or tiers)
Exclusions and Limitations of Coverage
- ✅ Claisy accepts: Historical coins (ancient, medieval, modern), commemorative coins, military medals, tokens,and decorations
- ✅ Bullion coins (Krugerrand, American Eagle, Maple Leaf) that have both metal value AND collectible value: Contact Claisy for approval based on the specific circumstances (quantity, purpose)
- ❌ Excluded: Raw gold bullion, precious metal granules, and investment gold intended purely for trading (commodities with no collectible value)
Easily automate your insured shipments
Professional numismatists: Simplified integration between your CMS and Claisy.
Webhooh Shopify x Claisy
Connect your store and automate your insurance with one click.
Prestashop Module x Claisy
Our free module protects your shipments with no effort on your part.
WooCommerce x Claisy Webhook
Add the best insurance to your WordPress e-commerce site.
Wix x Claisy Webhook
Simply insure your Wix shipments
Magento x Claisy Module
Secure your transactions on Adobe Commerce with our extension.
Conclusion: Insured Shipments for Coin Collectors
Shipping numismatic items requires three key elements: physical protection (appropriate capsules, multi-layer padding, rigid box), absolute discretion (neutral labeling, no mention of external value), and adequate ad valorem insurance coverage. Standard carrier insurance policies, when they accept collectible coins at all, offer derisory limits (€1,000 max for Colissimo) or outright refusal (DHL/UPS/TNT).
Claisy fills this gap with fixed rates— Limits —for amounts up to €100,000, and accelerated reimbursement within 72 hours, compared to several weeks (?) with traditional carriers. For professional numismatists who ship regularly or collectors handling shipments worth more than €2,000, this protection is essential for securing their numismatic assets in transit.
→ Discover Claisy’s numismatic shipping insurance and protect your coin collection shipments at their true value.