Tamper evident seals have been around for a while, and their history is intertwined with the protection of currency and other valuables. This is a time-honored custom that has been around for centuries.

Several traditions include the use of heated wax seals to protect treasures and secret correspondence between the wealthy and the powerful. To seal a container or scroll, the wax was melted and applied to the seam or closure. The item was then stamped with a "seal" impression. Kings, rich people, and influential people often had tamper evident seals made so that their personal insignia or mark could be identified in wax. By doing so, the recipient would be able to identify whether the seal had been broken.

Until recently, the vast majority of workers were paid in gold or silver coins or paper currency. In rural locations, "payroll" was carried to the distribution center in sealed boxes or large bags by pack animals and later by train or coach. The same system was used to transport funds to financial institutions worldwide.

In many Western movies, stealing money is shown as a dramatic and obvious act, but most of the time, the money is just taken by handlers or other people in on the crime. No matter how the money was moved, seals were needed to make sure it didn't get stolen.

The modern mechanical seal didn't become common until the early 20th century. During this time period, AC&M's production of lead and wire seals for major couriers, banks, and money handlers was crucial. By that time, seals' primary purpose was to guard monetary packages. In 1910, the same year American Casting & Manufacturing was founded, the first armored trucks were on the market, ushering in the era of the current "Security Seal" prevalent in all sectors of the economy today.

Present Use

Seals are still often used on bank bags. Bank bags may seem different now because of advances in materials and design, but the basic concept is still the same. Plastic pull tight seals for bags are still the standard for securing paper money and coins. Bags have been mostly replaced with totes as well as other solid containers, which still need to be sealed. The cash cassettes and access panels of the ATM are both sealed with tamper-proof seals.

Security seals are standard on bank-issued shipping containers for sensitive documents like blank checks and other precious papers. In a similar vein, seals are used to keep documents and securities safe in transit. Unless the envelope has its own secure adhesive closure, a security tag or tape is typically employed to seal it.

Reusable document pouches also have a seal placement hole on the zipper to ensure the pouch has not been opened. Use high-quality security tape to prevent theft or loss of expensive items while in transportation.

Seals are useful for preventing tampering and keeping track of a wide variety of goods, not just cash and securities. Rare coins, artwork, and legal documents are just a few examples of the more prevalent types of collectibles. When transporting valuables of this nature, it is common practice to use specially designed packing that has a secure seal.

Seal Types

The sender, the company that moves the item, and the person who gets it can all benefit from the modern seals used to move valuable items. These seals can have serial numbers, barcodes, or other kinds of identifying information put on them to make it easier to track and trace packages as they move through the distribution chain.

They can also be printed with a company's logo or trademark, which makes them easy to recognize and helps spread the word about the business. Cup seals, which are a specific type of seal, can also be used for added protection during transport.

The variety of seals utilized in this industry is unbounded. AC&M manufactures seals of varying sizes, materials, and strengths to meet virtually any requirement. The type of containment and the length of time it will be vulnerable to potential tampering typically determine the need for a seal.

High-tamper evidence is preferable to high-strength evidence for things that are kept under tight internal control and never shared with anybody outside the ownership chain. Henceforth, a strong seal should be placed on anything that might be touched or opened (even momentarily) by unauthorized individuals.

Because each situation is unique, those in charge of choosing seals need access to knowledgeable professionals who can guide them through the process.

Let AC&M Fulfill Your Needs with Tailored Solutions—Contact Us today

We have been the go-to source for protecting high-value items while in transit or storage for well over a hundred years. Worldwide businesses, governments, and non-profits entrust us to guard their most prized possessions. AC&M is the go-to provider for the banking and courier industries seeking high-quality sealing technology with complete anonymity because of their commitment to quality and trust.

Please get in contact with us if you are in charge of transporting or storing money, jewelry, or other sensitive objects and would like further information about AC&M seals. Throughout the hours of operation (as observed in the Eastern Daylight Time zone), you can contact our seasoned professionals via email, phone, or live chat.

Our website provides extensive information and is accessible around the clock, making it easy to place an order for seals from any location. Contact AC&M today to ensure the safety of your most prized possessions.