For centuries, people have relied on seals to protect what matters most. From kings securing royal scrolls to banks safeguarding large sums of money, the role of security seals has always been critical. These tools were never just decorative, they were a line of defense against theft, tampering, and fraud. And even though materials and technology have evolved, the mission behind them remains unchanged.

Today, as goods move quickly across regions and borders, the need for dependable security has only grown. Banks, couriers, and armored transport companies count on seals to guard currency, coins, documents, and other valuables. At American Casting & Manufacturing (AC&M), we’ve been part of this history for over 110 years, helping organizations secure high-value items through expertly crafted sealing solutions.

The Historic Use of Seals in Safeguarding Valuables

Before armored vehicles and modern surveillance systems, valuable cargo had to be guarded the old-fashioned way. In early times, important letters and treasures were sealed with hot wax. A stamp bearing a personal insignia would leave a mark, showing clearly whether a package had been tampered with. Only someone with the right authority could break that seal — and everyone knew it.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, currency and payroll were transported in locked bags or chests, often across long distances. Seals played a key role in keeping these containers secure. While Western films might show dramatic heists on moving trains, real thefts often happened quietly, by insiders or handlers along the way. A broken seal told the truth when nothing else could.

American Casting & Manufacturing was founded in 1910, right when the use of mechanical seals began to take off. During this time, we supplied lead and wire seals to banks, couriers, and businesses that moved cash and critical documents. It was the beginning of a new standard in logistics, one that emphasized evidence, traceability, and trust.

The Importance of Security Seals in Logistics

Modern-day logistics involves a lot more than simply moving items from one place to another. It includes a complex network of handlers, checkpoints, and routes. With so many hands involved in a single shipment, it's easy to see how things can go wrong. Security seals in the transportation industry act as silent guards, they don’t just lock a bag or case, they also tell a story.

Seals show whether an item has been opened or interfered with. They carry serial numbers and custom printing so that each one is unique and traceable. If something happens along the way, companies can look at the seal and know exactly when and where it was compromised. This gives logistics managers more control and confidence in their process.

Seals today are made from tough materials like plastic, metal, and hybrid blends, giving them strength as well as visibility. Some are designed to break in a very specific way if tampered with. Others leave a clear visual message, like a broken barcode or missing tab, that something isn’t right. These features are essential in large-scale shipping operations where thousands of items move daily.

Protecting Currency and Valuables in Transit

Even though we live in a digital world, the transportation of physical cash is still a regular part of banking and commerce. Paper bills, coins, and even sensitive documents like checks are shipped between branches, stores, and processing centers. These items are commonly packed in tamper-evident bank bags or hard-sided totes with secure seals.

Security seals are also used on ATM cash cassettes and loading panels. These machines must be kept tightly controlled, and any unauthorized access can lead to major losses. By using seals on every point of entry, banks can prevent breaches and maintain strong records of who handled each component.

Reusable document pouches are another example. These often come with a zipper that has a designated seal hole. The seal confirms whether the pouch was accessed during transit. This is especially useful for transporting legal paperwork, contracts, or identification cards that could cause harm if stolen or altered. Without tamper-evident protection, these items are vulnerable to silent theft.

Cargo Protection and Its Role in Safe Transportation

Protecting cargo isn’t just about value, it’s about responsibility. Whether moving expensive jewelry or high-volume cash shipments, companies are expected to take every measure to prevent loss. Security seals give them a simple but powerful way to do just that. They add a visible layer of accountability that helps deter internal and external threats.

Cargo that is properly sealed reduces the risk of disputes between senders and receivers. If a shipment arrives with a broken or missing seal, the receiver knows something went wrong and can take immediate action. This reduces delays, saves money, and protects company reputations. For this reason, cargo seals are now considered a critical part of responsible supply chain management.

At AC&M, we provide a range of tamper evident seals for containers, envelopes, crates, and trailers. Whether you’re shipping rare coins or official ballots, our seals are designed to show evidence of tampering, provide traceability, and support regulatory compliance. We work with banks, government agencies, armored transport companies, and high-security couriers around the globe.

Types of Security Seals Commonly Used in Currency Transit

Not all security seals are created equal. Different transit conditions call for different types of seals, and each one serves a specific purpose. For high-value shipments such as currency, coins, or precious metals, choosing the right seal is essential. American Casting & Manufacturing offers a wide variety of options tailored to these needs.

Plastic security seals are widely used for cash bags and document pouches. They are lightweight but strong and often come with features like barcode printing, unique serial numbers, and tear-off tags for quick application. Their tamper-evident design shows clear signs if someone tries to cut or manipulate them.

Metal seals, like metal padlock seals or flat metal truck seals, are a preferred option for heavier containers or higher-security applications. They’re made from durable materials that resist tampering and environmental wear. Cable seals are especially useful for armored trucks or sealed storage bins, since they require specialized tools to remove and cannot be resealed without evidence of breach.

Bolt seals are commonly used for shipping containers or high-value bulk cargo. These seals have a steel pin-and-barrel design that provides maximum strength. Once applied, bolt seals cannot be removed without cutting tools, making them a top choice for international or long-haul shipments.

Each of these options can be customized to include a company name, logo, or tracking number, helping clients maintain chain-of-custody records and quickly identify unauthorized access.

Compliance and Peace of Mind in Every Shipment

For companies that handle currency, valuables, or sensitive documents, regulatory compliance is non-negotiable. Industry standards often require tamper-evident security measures, especially in financial services, government contracting, and courier logistics. Using certified and tested security seals is a simple way to stay compliant and avoid legal issues.

More importantly, seals give businesses and their customers peace of mind. When valuables are protected with a visible, high-quality seal, there’s a shared understanding that safety and responsibility are being taken seriously. This level of trust is something we’ve built our reputation on at AC&M for over a century.

We don’t just sell seals, we help businesses design secure systems tailored to their risks and goals. Whether you need help choosing the right type of seal, setting up a numbering system, or understanding best practices for seal application, our team is here to support you.

Why Choose American Casting & Manufacturing?

For over 110 years, American Casting & Manufacturing (AC&M) has been a trusted name in security seal solutions. We started in 1910 with lead and wire seals and have grown into a global supplier offering high-quality, tamper-evident products made in the USA. Our seals are used by banks, shipping companies, utilities, government agencies, and anyone who values integrity in transit.

All of our seals meet strict industry requirements for durability and tamper resistance. We manufacture in-house, which allows us to maintain quality control, meet tight deadlines, and offer competitive pricing. Whether you're securing one shipment or scaling across a global network, we’re ready to help you build a safer process.

If your business transports currency, sensitive documents, or high-value goods, choosing the right seal can make all the difference. Don’t leave your cargo vulnerable to tampering or loss. Reach out to American Casting & Manufacturing to find the best security solution for your operations.

You can contact us Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM EST, at Toll-Free (866) 360-6748 or 516-349-7010. Prefer email? Contact us anytime at info@seals.com to learn how our sealing solutions can help protect your assets in transit.