There are dozens of benefits to investing in precious metals like gold and silver, from their unfailing value to their remarkable beauty. However, there are some challenges associated with amassing a large portfolio that investors need to consider before their collection of gold and silver becomes especially large. Unless investors are using a service like Stacker Market, it is important to remember that metals are physical assets that require physical management — and that means investors and collectors need to think about issues like how to ship gold coins safely.
Fortunately, Scottsdale Mint can help all investors and collectors learn how to ship gold coins and silver coins without risk. What’s more, investors and collectors can find information about how to travel with precious metals around the U.S. and overseas.
How to Ship Precious Metals
Without question, the best way shipping method is through the mail — specifically through the USPS Registered Mail Services. Registered Mail is a program specifically designed to protect extremely high-value goods, like gold and silver bullion. The service can insure mailed items up to $50,000, as long as investors disclose the full value of their package when it is presented for mailing.
USPS Registered Mail is easily the safest option for shipping gold and silver because packages sent through Registered Mail are kept in separate locked containers. If a Registered Mail package goes missing, the USPS launches an investigation, and any agents found to be negligent are at risk of losing their employment and pensions. Thus, every post office employee has an interest in making sure Registered Mail packages make it to their destinations. The service is so secure that when the Hope Diamond was donated to the Smithsonian Institution, it was shipped through Registered Mail.
Though the handling fee will vary depending on the weight, value, and distance of shipping, it tends to be exceedingly affordable. For example, a medium flat rate box insured for $1,000 and traveling across the U.S. would have a shipping cost of about $35. It is possible that post office workers will try to convince precious metal investors to use insured mail instead of Registered Mail, but this is a mistake; those who want to know how to ship precious metals safely need to use USPS Registered Mail and no other service.
There is one notable downside to Registered Mail: It can take more business days for packages to reach their destination. The additional security measures used to protect precious metals like gold coins are sent through Registered Mail will slow shipping, so investors must be patient in waiting for gold and silver to arrive. Relatedly, investors must drop Registered Mail packages off at the post office in person, so they can fill out the required form and appropriately wrap their precious package. Registered Mail might be slightly less convenient than other shipping methods, but its extremely high security makes a small hassle worthwhile.
How to Transport Gold and Silver Coins
How to ship gold and silver is one thing; how to travel with precious metals is another. Fortunately, because investors own precious metal objects, they are fully permitted to travel with gold and silver anywhere they like, including outside the U.S. Investors can carry any sum of gold and silver across state lines as long as the value is less than $1 million, and investors can transport gold and silver into other countries as long as the value is lower than $10,000. In both cases, higher amounts can be transported, but investors must declare the sums as they pass security checkpoints.
There are a few ways to make traveling with precious metals safer and easier. Generally, it is best to keep gold and silver close while flying, holding them in carry-on luggage instead of putting them into checked bags. Generally, airport security agents will find gold and silver even if they are not disclosed because their scanners register precious metals. Therefore, it is wise to alert security agents to possession of precious metals, even if you are carrying far less than the maximum. Then, if security wants to inspect the gold and silver, investors can request a private screening away from other travelers.
Shipping Gold and Silver With Scottsdale Mint
Scottsdale Mint wants all its customers to feel confident and in control of their precious metal portfolios. Knowing how to ship gold safely, how to ship silver coins, and how to ship precious metals of any kind gives investors and collectors the power and freedom to take their gold, silver, platinum, and more with them around the world. Likewise, Scottsdale Mint utilizes only the safest shipping practices in sending purchased gold and silver products to its customers.
For more information about how Scottsdale Mint manages the transportation of its precious metal products, investors can peruse the FAQs or reach out to our knowledgeable customer support team.
