[meteorite-list] Potential Hypothetical Value?

[Martin Altmann]

Hi David,

if such a stone was either purchased or sold, then I'd think, no matter of
which potential nature this stone may be - the determination of the value
will happen in a very trivial manner: the price, which was paid for.
Hence in fact that's also the method taxes/customs on meteorites are
calculated too.
For exhibitions the meteorites usually are insured for the full market value
of the specimen.

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

Usually only 20% or 20grams of an unclassified are handed in for
classification,
so that at least, for the extremely rare case a shipment will be lost, there
most of the stone will be still preserved.

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

But else you can't properly identify a meteorite, the methods of
classification require that
and the standardized process of formal authentication requires that a share
of a newly found meteorite has to be given as a deposit for reference
purposes and for further studies.

Meteorites aren't only collectibles, they are in first line objects of
scientific research.


And anyway,
for very valuable specimens I'd recommend to deliver them in person.


Best!
Martin


-----Ursprüngliche Nachricht-----
Von: meteorite-list-bounces at meteoritecentral.com
[mailto:meteorite-list-bounces at meteoritecentral.com] Im Auftrag von David
Gunning
Gesendet: Sonntag, 29. Mai 2011 16:06
An: meteorite-list at meteoritecentral.com
Betreff: [meteorite-list] Potential Hypothetical Value?

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



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