[_false]

> I can already show up at a US embassy or consulate anywhere in the world and provide them my passport serial number to have a new one cut in an hour if I've lost mine

Do you have any sources to confirm this?

[selectodude]

???

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-tra...

[toomuchtodo]

selectodude's link is canonical imho, but you can also call the Dept. of State Office of Overseas Citizens Services to confirm.