THE SHORT ANSWER
Choose the covered service before packing the gold
USPS says indemnity for bullion is limited to $15 in mail services other than Registered Mail. Confirm current eligibility, indemnity limit, packaging, declared value and acceptance procedure before mailing. Preserve the item schedule, proof of value, receipt, tracking, insurance evidence, photographs and complete packaging until delivery and any claim are final.
PRE-MAIL GATE
Seven records must agree before custody changes
Stable IDs, quantity, condition and packaging.
Evidence at the time of mailing.
Verified name, address and acceptance.
Current bullion eligibility and indemnity.
Compliant, discreet and photographed.
Receipt, tracking and insured amount.
Delivery evidence and recipient reconciliation.
USPS BULLION BOUNDARY
Ordinary package insurance is not equivalent to Registered Mail protection
The current USPS consumer FAQ states that for services other than Registered Mail, maximum indemnity for negotiable items, currency or bullion is $15. Do not infer useful bullion coverage from a generic insured-mail amount. Ask the accepting Post Office to confirm current rules, valid proof of value and the indemnity purchased for the exact shipment.
CLAIM FILE
Proof of mailing and proof of value solve different claim questions
SECURITY LIMIT
Discreet packaging does not mean undocumented packaging
Follow current USPS preparation rules without placing bullion descriptions on the exterior. Photograph the inner and outer packaging, tamper controls, sealed item schedule and completed parcel before acceptance. Share detailed photographs only through the verified claim channel. Never publish the route, schedule or recurring shipment pattern.
PRIMARY SOURCES
Insurance-regulator, federal and carrier evidence
- NAIC homeowners and renters guidance and its consumer homeowners resource for valuable-property limits, inventories, appraisals and claim preparation.
- NAIC actual-cash-value and replacement-cost explanation for policy valuation language and depreciation.
- Ready.gov document-and-insure guidance for receipts, photographs, inventories and protected records.
- U.S. Mint bullion consumer awareness for product specifications, premiums and dealer-market context.
- USPS bullion insurance limits and Domestic Claims guide for service selection, proof of value, insurance evidence and packaging retention.
Reviewed July 31, 2026. Coverage and claims are controlled by the actual policy, endorsement, jurisdiction and facts. Postal terms and tax law can change; verify the service and use the form and instructions for the incident year.
FAQ
Gold shipment insurance questions
Can I insure gold bullion with USPS?
USPS states that bullion indemnity outside Registered Mail is limited to $15. Use the current USPS rules, confirm Registered Mail eligibility and maximum indemnity at mailing, and retain proof of value and service.
Does declared value prove actual value?
No. A declared value and paid fee establish the service purchased, while a claim also requires proof of actual value at mailing and compliance with packaging, mailing and claim terms.
What should I keep after a damaged delivery?
Retain the mailing container, wrapping, labels, seals, damaged items and all contents until the claim is resolved. Photograph them before further handling and follow USPS inspection instructions.
Does this guide cover private carriers?
No. It documents the USPS boundary only. Private-carrier tariffs, prohibited items, third-party insurance and dealer contracts must be checked directly before shipment.