“Rare coins and banknotes are tangible history. Our numismatics coverage honors both the metal and the meaning behind each piece, reflecting the care we put into our own collections.”
— Jeremy Caparas, Head of Customer Success
Unique risks in numismatics
Portability and melt value – Coins and banknotes are easy to transport or conceal, making them attractive targets for theft. Gold and silver coins also carry inherent melt value, incentivizing criminals to destroy them for metal.
Environmental hazards – Humidity, pollution and improper storage can tarnish metals or degrade paper. Mold, mildew and chemical reactions can severely diminish value.
Transit losses – Coins are frequently shipped to grading agencies or auction houses. Shipment losses or damage, especially for un-slabbed coins, are common.
Fluctuating precious‑metal and numismatic premiums – Market value depends on both metal content and collector demand; standard insurance may only cover bullion value, not numismatic premiums.
WAX numismatics coverage
Full collectibles protection – Policies cover theft, loss, fire, water, mysterious disappearance and transit damage. Scheduled coverage ensures rare pieces receive agreed values; blanket options cover large sets or sets stored in multiple locations.
Transit and exhibition coverage – Whether sending coins to PCGS/NGC for grading, displaying at a coin show or transporting to a bank vault, your items are insured worldwide.
Market value recognition – WAX pays the higher of the scheduled value or current market value (up to 150%) for rare coins and notes. This ensures that numismatic premiums above metal content are covered.
Automatic acquisition – Newly acquired coins and notes receive automatic coverage (up to a set limit), giving you time to add them to your schedule.
Expert valuation – WAX works with professional numismatists and auction houses to appraise coins based on rarity, grade, mintage and demand. Claims adjusters understand the difference between bullion and numismatic value.
Collectors’ recommendations
Use certified holders – Third‑party grading and encapsulation protect against damage and provide standardized grading for valuation.
Control climate – Store coins in temperature‑controlled safes or bank vaults with low humidity. Use archival‑quality holders for paper money.
Maintain records – Keep invoices, grading certificates, provenance documentation and photos. Catalog your collection with serial numbers and grades.
Real‑World Case Study
A rare gold coin was stolen from a safe deposit box compromised during a bank burglary. The collector’s WAX policy reimbursed the current auction price and covered the cost of a security upgrade. Another collector transported a set of silver dollars without insurance and had the bag lost by the airline, losing the collection and having only a small baggage claim to show for it.
Ready to protect your collection?
Collectors can request a quote in minutes through WAX’s digital platform, and brokers can contact us to insure both bullion and numismatic assets.
