Recently I shipped an antique vase that was won at auction on ebay. It was valued at $150. A receipt was sent with the vase to the buyer and a copy of the ebay confirmation was recorded. Insurance was purchased.

The vase arrived in hundreds of pieces. A claim was made and after about two months the buyer was paid directly for the full value. The payment went to the buyer because she had the insurance in her name as the recipient of the package.

I have been told by a postal clerk that chips will not be covered by the USPS insurance because they are considered a form of legal tender. I do not know if this information is true. I highly recommend always including a receipt showing valuation of any items sent in case of loss. Without this it is almost impossible to prove the value of items that have an intrinsic value well beyond their face value or original cost.