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Known Atlas

How a slab travels

Every slab sold through Known Atlas comes to us first. We inspect it, then send it on to the buyer. Buyer and seller never need each other's address.

The route

Once the buyer has paid, the seller sends the slab to Known Atlas. We inspect it and, if it is what the deal describes, send it on to the buyer, insured and tracked. If it is not, the buyer's payment is returned and the slab goes back to the seller.

Before you send (sellers)

Wait for our email saying the payment has arrived. It gives the address and a reference for your parcel.

  • Use only the address our concierge sends you in writing. Never send a slab to an address anyone else gives you.
  • Photograph the slab, both sides and the label, before you pack it, and keep the photos.
  • Keep the cert number in your own records, not on the parcel.
  • Send within 5 days of the payment email, or tell us straight away if you cannot.

Packing

A slab protects the coin or card, not itself: cracked holders are the most common damage in transit.

  • Wrap the slab in a padded sleeve or bubble wrap, then put it in a rigid box where it cannot move.
  • Never send a slab in a plain envelope.
  • Keep the outside plain: no "coin", "gold", grader names or values on the parcel or the label.
  • Seal with tamper-evident tape if you have it, and photograph the sealed parcel.

Insurance and carriers

Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed covers coins up to a limited value (£2,500 at the time of writing; check the current terms). For anything above that, ask our concierge before you send: we arrange a specialist insured courier.

Keep your proof of postage and tracking number; we record the tracking number against the deal.

What happens at inspection

When the parcel arrives we photograph it unopened, then check the slab: the holder is intact, the cert matches the grader's record where the grader offers one, and the item, date and grade match the deal. We aim to finish within 3 working days and tell both of you when it passes.

Receiving (buyers)

We send the slab insured and tracked, signature on delivery. If anything looks wrong when it arrives, do not throw away the packaging, and tell us straight away. Once it is with you, add it to your vault and verify it with fresh photos to become its next holder.

Something not covered here, or a parcel worth more than you are comfortable sending? Contact our concierge