Can You Bring Pennies, Quarters, and Other Coins on Planes?

Gold and silver coins are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage on planes in the United States. However, it’s recommended that you pack gold and silver coins in cabin baggage to avoid losing them along with your checked baggage. If you’re returning from overseas with coins worth 10,000 dollars they must be declared to Customs and Border Protection. Gold coins must be declared regardless of their value. You can’t bring gold and silver coins from Cuba, Iran, and Sudan. Copies of gold coins must be marked as so and identified by the country that issued them.

Generally, collections of antique and historical coins are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage on flights in the United States. It’s recommended to pack antique and historical coins in hand baggage exclusively to prevent any loss in checked baggage. Passengers carrying antique or historical coins can ask for a private screening to prevent other passengers from knowing there are objects of value in the hand baggage. If you’re traveling with them internationally, coins with a value over 10,000 must be declared to the CBP. Travelers must also fill out a FinCEN Form 105. Always declare historical coins made out of gold regardless of their weight or value. If you’re traveling internationally, keep in mind some countries prohibit taking historical coins out of their territory.

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Yes, you need to declare valuable coins traveling in the United States. However, you don’t need to pay duty unless they surpass a $10,000 value. If your coins are valued over $10,000, you should also fill out a FINCEN 105 form. Copies of gold coins must be properly marked as so by the country of issuance. They won’t be allowed through the border if they are not. It’s also best practice to carry any receipts, documents, or papers that prove how you acquired these coins and that you’re the owner.

TSA allows coins both in hand and checked baggage, but it’s recommended to pack them in hand baggage to prevent losing them or getting them stolen from checked baggage. For large coin quantities, it’s best to remove them from the carry-on bag and place them in a bin, as they can cause problems with the screening process. Or, you can also notify the security agent and ask for a private screening, so other passengers don’t know you’re carrying valuables in your bag. If you have any coins in your pocket, you must remove them and place them in your carry-on when going through security.

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In general, you don’t need to remove coins from your carry-on baggage when going through airport security in the United States. But, it’s recommended for passengers with large quantities of coins to remove them from the bag as they can obstruct the x-ray screening. Passengers can ask the security agent for a private screening. If you’re carrying change in your pocket you should also take it out of your pocket and store it in your bag.

The safest way to travel with coins is to pack them in your carry-on luggage. It’s not uncommon for things in checked baggage to get stolen or lost. Depending on your preferences, how many coins you’re carrying and their type, you can use coin capsules with a [amazon link=”B092Z6ZDW7″ title=”storage organizer box”] and pack it in your carry-on. You can also use a simple [amazon link=”B008H157H0″ title=”wallet with a zipper”] to store your change. In theory, you can also use a [amazon link=”B000GOZZJG” title=”cash box”] but be prepared to open it for inspection at security.

For the most part, there aren’t any rules for traveling with paper cash in the United States. Neither the TSA nor the CBP state a cash limit when traveling in the United States. If you’re traveling internationally with more than $10,000 or its equivalent, you must declare it to Customs and Border Protection. The TSA agent might also ask some questions about the origin of the money, or where you’re headed if he believes the money is connected to some illegal activity. 

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