Shipping Tips for Coins and Jewelry Together
Dec 11, 2022
Practical Guide to Mailing Coins and Jewelry Safely
When you are ready to sell or appraise unwanted gold, silver, coins, or jewelry, safe and secure shipping is critical. Many people want to send different types of precious metals together, such as coins and jewelry, but worry about damage, loss, or mix-ups. This guide walks you through identification, sorting, packing, and mailing so you can feel confident about sending your items together in one insured, trackable kit.
Step 1: Identify What You Have
Knowing what you are sending helps ensure accurate testing and value. Common items include:
Gold jewelry: Look for karat stamps like 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, or 24K inside rings, on clasps, or under pendants.
Silver jewelry & flatware: Stamps such as “925,” “Sterling,” or “Ster” indicate genuine silver. Be cautious of “EPNS” or “plated,” which are not solid silver.
Coins: U.S. dimes, quarters, and half dollars minted before 1965 contain 90% silver. Many international coins contain silver or gold; check official mint resources like the U.S. Mint specifications chart.
Dental gold: Often 16K–22K, but usually mixed with porcelain or steel. Carefully separate as possible, but don’t discard small bits.
Step 2: Basic Testing at Home
Before shipping, you can do a few quick checks:
Magnet test: Gold and silver are not magnetic. If it sticks, it may be plated or base metal.
Visual inspection: Use a magnifying loupe to read hallmarks clearly.
Weight: Use a digital pocket scale that measures in grams. Record the weight of each group.
Note: Acid test kits and electronic testers exist, but professional testing is more reliable. Expect mail-in services to provide their own results.
Step 3: Sort and Organize
Separating your items prevents confusion and helps the appraiser test each group efficiently.
Keep coins in small coin envelopes or plastic flips, labeled by type.
Group jewelry by karat or by “gold” versus “silver.”
Remove obvious non-metal parts, like plastic beads, if safe.
Keep tiny fragments or dental pieces in a sealed bag so nothing is lost.
Step 4: Understand Value
Value depends on both weight and purity.
Item | Key Factor | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Gold Jewelry | Karat purity & weight in grams | Higher karat = higher melt value |
Silver Jewelry/Flatware | Marked “925” or “Sterling” | Plated has little value |
Coins | Metal content & potential collectible value | Pre-1965 U.S. coins = 90% silver |
Dental Gold | Karat varies (often 16K–22K) | Must be tested separately |
Melt Value vs Offer Value: Melt value is the raw metal worth if refined. The actual offer also accounts for refining costs, purity, and market conditions.
Step 5: Prepare for Shipping
Safe mailing ensures your items arrive intact. A typical secure mail-in kit includes a prepaid, tracked, and insured envelope or small box.
Place coins in protective flips or small envelopes.
Put jewelry in small zip bags and cushion with bubble wrap.
Seal dental gold fragments in a tamper-proof bag.
Group these bags together into one padded inner envelope.
Place inside the provided secure mailer or box.
Seal tightly with strong packing tape.
Step 6: Shipping Options and Coverage
Use a service that gives you a tracking number and insurance coverage. This way you can see updates in one spot, reducing the worry of mailing valuables.
Always keep your tracking number, and check delivery status until confirmed received.
Step 7: What to Expect After Mailing
Once received, metals are tested using a combination of tools:
Electronic testers measure gold content quickly.
Acid scratch tests verify karat markings.
XRF analysis (where available) provides precise melt composition.
You can expect clear written testing results before a final payout is issued.
Step 8: Getting Paid
Common ways to receive payment include:
PayPal or Venmo: Fast transfers, but may charge small fees.
Zelle or Cash App: Near-instant transfers to linked accounts, but sometimes daily limits.
ACH bank transfer: Direct deposit to your bank; can take 1–2 business days.
Mailed check: Secure, with physical records, but slower delivery.
Step 9: Keep Records
Simple documentation keeps you organized and confident.
Take photos of each group before shipping.
Write down weights, descriptions, and number of items.
Keep copies of shipping receipts and tracking numbers.
If desired, you can use an inventory tool like GavelBase to log your sent items.
Quick Checklist
Identify and label coins, jewelry, silverware, dental gold.
Group items safely in sealed bags or envelopes.
Weigh in grams and record notes.
Pack with bubble wrap and cushion inside a secure envelope/box.
Use insured, trackable shipping.
Photograph and document everything.
FAQs
Can I mail coins and jewelry in the same box?
Yes. Just keep them in separate small bags or envelopes to avoid scratches and confusion.
What if my coin has collector value beyond the silver?
Professional buyers will separate numismatic (collectible) value from melt value, but you should check reputable references like the U.S. Mint before shipping rare pieces.
Is dental gold still valuable with porcelain attached?
Yes. Even small fragments are tested and refined. Do not throw them away.
What if my package is lost?
If you shipped with tracking and insurance, you can file a claim with the carrier. Always keep your insurance receipts.
Conclusion
Packing and shipping coins and jewelry together can be safe and straightforward if you take simple precautions: identify items, weigh and record them, pack securely, and use tracked insured shipping. With preparation, you’ll know what to expect when mailing valuables, and you’ll stay informed through updates until your payment arrives.