[meteorite-list] Potential Hypothetical Value?

[David Gunning]

Hi All,

It's understood and agreed that the best way to assure the likelihood of
a meteorite specimen, or other item, being sent via the USPS, or a
private carrier, reaching it's intended destination is by insured
registered mail with return receipt requested.

But how does someone estimate an acceptable required monetary insurance
replacement value for an unclassified specimen with the USPS, or private
carrier, against possible loss?

It may seem far fetched, and it is, that even with such precautions a
parcel can get lost in the mails, but evidently, not beyond the realm of
possibility.  (see prior posting about lost lunar and mars specimen
samples)

Is is best to cut a specimen in two pieces before sending it off for
authenticity and identification verification?  That way, in the event of
loss, one still has part of a potential possible classifiable
specimen(?).

It seems a shame to cut into a specimen in two pieces before it's been
properly identified.

What if the lost specimen turns-out to have been a relatively rare and
particularly valuable type of meteorite?

I am curious how other list members handle insurance replacement values
for sending unclassified material to an expert(?).

Is there a "best" way?

Thanks, as always.

David Gunning