The numismatic value of a coin depends directly on its condition. A scratch, a dent on the edge of a gold Napoleon, or a capsule cracked during transport can reduce its value by 30 to 50%. This guide outlines professional protocols for securing your shipments, from commemorative euros to antique coins, with one critical fact that is often overlooked: most carriers exclude or drastically restrict insurance for collectible coins, exposing the sender to total loss in the event of damage.
Numismatic supports and shipping issues
Collectibles include a wide variety of items: modern coins (commemorative euros, bullion coins, BU series), ancient coins (Roman denarii, Greek drachmas, medieval silver), and medals/decorations (military, commemorative). Each category requires appropriate protection using rigid Leuchtturm GRIPS capsules (14 to 41 mm depending on diameter) made from scratch-resistant, pH-neutral plastic.
Fundamental 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), choose 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-shocks to 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 in sorting centers → absolute discretion is mandatory.
Unit protection and batch organization
Mandatory capsules and cases
Professional standard: rigid capsule per coin. Leuchtturm offers 33 different diameters (14-41 mm), with a standard thickness of 3 mm inside/5 mm outside. For irregularly shaped coins (non-circular antique coins, oval medals), use MAGIC CAPSULES with a flexible membrane that fits the exact contour.
Economical alternative for large batches: MATRIX cardboard cases (50×50 mm) without acid plasticizers, with transparent anti-reflective film. Critical error: leaving multiple items loose in a bag, even a padded one. Friction causes deep scratches; apply the same logic as in fine jewelry, where delicate chains are secured on a rigid support.
Organized storage sets
For 10-50 coins: Leuchtturm Volterra coin boxes or NUMIS cases with felt-lined compartments. Use the stoppers provided to block incomplete rows—without these stoppers, the capsules will slide around and knock against each other. For sets without medal holders: group capsules in a small rigid box (6×4×2 inches) with foam dividers between each coin, filling any gaps with crumpled tissue paper.
Validation test: gently shake the closed container => no movement noise should be audible.
Secure transport packaging
Choice of container
Absolutely prohibited: plain kraft envelopes or standard bubble envelopes (prone to creasing, tactile detection of contents, crushing under pressure).
Recommendations by type:
- 1-10 pièces (<500g) : Enveloppe matelassée renforcée (épaisseur 4-5 mm) + carton rigide plié autour capsules
- 10-50 pieces (500g-2kg): Single-wall corrugated cardboard box (20×15×10 cm)
- Value >€5,000: Double packaging required (small box inside a larger box, 8-10 cm gap, multi-layer padding)
Professional multi-layer packing
Cardboard backing: 8-10 cm dense polyethylene foam (25-35 kg/m³) or compact crumpled kraft paper. This layer absorbs vertical shocks during falls.
Positioning: Center the medal/box with an equal distance of 8-10 cm on all sides. Wrap it in 2-3 layers of bubble wrap (bubbles 10-15 mm facing inward), secure with paper tape.
Side filling: Fill all gaps with ultra-dense crumpled paper or packing particles. Validation: insert your hand; if the inner box moves >2-3 mm in any direction, the packing is insufficient.
Top: Protective cushion 5-8 cm before closure. Seal with reinforced kraft adhesive tape (75 mm) in an H shape: central strip + cross strips at the ends + diagonal strips at the corners.
Confidentiality and Customs Compliance
Absolute discretion
NEVER mention the following on the outside: gold, silver, coins, currency, numismatics, collection. Acceptable neutral labels: "Administrative documents," "Office supplies," "Educational materials."
Douanes : Envois intra-UE = aucune déclaration requise. Hors UE = formulaires CN22 (<300€) ou CN23 (>300€) obligatoires avec mention "Pièces monnaie numismatiques usage collection, non circulation" + valeur exacte. Cette précision respecte obligations légales tout en clarifying finalité non-commerciale.
Internal documents: Insert A4 sheet with full sender/recipient details + copy of delivery note/invoice. Keep originals.
Carrier insurance exclusions: factual data
This section presents a documented critical fact: major carriers exclude or drastically limit coverage for collectibles.
La Poste / Colissimo: Limit and exclusion of currency
According to La Poste's Specific Conditions for Declared Value, it is prohibited to include banknotes or coins in Declared Value shipments. The text specifies that collector's items may be shipped "in the form of jewelry" (an ambiguous wording that effectively excludes raw coins).
The Ad Valorem Colissimo option is capped at €1,000 for individuals. High effective rates (1.5-1.9%) for amounts between €300 and €600. disputes processing times disputes 60-90 days standard.
DHL, UPS, TNT: outright refusal
Eurosender explicitly confirms: "DHL, UPS, and TNT will not accept packages containing coins for shipment. " Reason: "Collectible coins are included in the list of restricted or prohibited items by most transport companies, and insurance is not applicable. "
The renowned numismatic company CGB exclusively uses Colissimo (France) and DHL (Schengen area), but only through specific negotiated professional contracts that are not available to individuals.
Practical consequence
Real-life scenario: batch of 25 commemorative €2 coins (worth €3,500) sent via Colissimo Ad Valorem €1,000. Package lost in transit.
- Maximum compensation: €1,000 (Limit)
- Net uncovered loss: €2,500
- Claim period: 60-90 days
For lots containing gold napoleons, insurance may be completely rejected as "divisional fiduciary values" according to strict terms and conditions.
Claisy for numismatists: 0.60% Excluding VAT €100,000
Faced with the structural limitations of carrier insurance, Claisy offers specialized ad valorem coverage.
Coverage settings
Limits shipment:
- $100,000 (dollars)
- £85,000 (British pounds)
- $115,000 (US dollars)
Fixed rate: 0.60% Excluding VAT the declared value (linear application to the exact value, no brackets forcing overpayment)
Comprehensive coverage: Breakage/damage, total loss, theft, delivered-not-received, under Claisy General Terms and Conditions (reporting deadlines, proof of value, reservations on the delivery note in case of damage)
Exclusions and borderline cases
- ✅ Claisy accepts: Historical coins (antique, medieval, modern), commemorative coins, military medals, tokens,decorations
- ✅ Bullion coins (Krugerrand, American Eagle, Maple Leaf) combining metal value AND collectible value: contact Claisy for validation depending on context (quantity, purpose)
- ❌ Excluded: Raw gold bars, precious metal granules, gold intended purely for trading (raw materials with no collector's value)
Specific example: Collection of gold Napoleons worth €12,000
Collector ships 15 gold 20F Napoleons (weight 6.45g/piece, total value €12,000).
With Claisy:
- Premium: 12,000 × 0.60% = €72 Excluding VAT (€86.40 including VAT)
- Coverage: €12,000 according to justified declared value
- Compensation: 48-72 hours after file validation
Without appropriate insurance:
- CMR Carrier (net weight): 15 × 6.45 g = 97 g → compensation ~€2.24
- Net loss in case of theft: €11,997.76
Claisy insurance at €72 Excluding VAT €12,000 of capital for 0.6% of the amount, versus the risk of total loss if transport is uninsured.
Subscription process
Professional numismatists: Shopify/WooCommerce/PrestaShop integration or Claisy API. Monthly summary billing.
Conclusion: Insured Shipping for Coin Collectors
Shipping coins requires three key things: physical protection (special capsules, multi-layer padding, rigid box), total discretion (neutral labeling, no mention of value on the outside), and appropriate ad valorem insurance coverage. Standard carrier insurance, when it accepts collectibles, offers Limits (€1,000 max for Colissimo) or outright refusal (DHL/UPS/TNT for individuals).
Claisy fills this gap with a fixed rate of 0.60% Excluding VAT, Limits €100,000, and accelerated compensation within 48-72 hours vs. 60-90 days for disputes . For professional numismatists who ship regularly or collectors who manage lots worth more than €2,000, this protection is essential for securing numismatic assets in transit.
→ Discover Claisy numismatic shipping insurance and protect your collection deliveries at their fair value.