HomeCrime and FraudNumismatic Crime Alerts: 2014

Numismatic Crime Alerts: 2014

ncic_alertCrimes related to numismatics know no boundaries and affects the numismatic industry around the world. Millions of dollars in numismatic items have been stolen from collectors and dealers who have fallen prey to a numismatic crime.

The Numismatic Crime Information Center is a 501 (c)(3) non profit corporation established to coordinate and collaborate initiatives between law enforcement and the numismatic industry in “Targeting Numismatic Crimes Around the World.” Please refer to the about page for more information.

Click Here to see the 2013 Major Numismatic Crime Alerts

Note: The following items and links about Numismatic Crime are compiled by CoinWeek from multiple news sources and are  reposted for informational purposes only with no guarantee of accuracy and the original souerce is solely responsible for the content.

October 29th, 2014

Major Theft at Coin Show

Detectives are investigating a major theft that occurred at a Sarasota coin show on Saturday Oct 25, 2014. They are asking assistance in identifying 4 suspects involved in the theft.

httpvh://youtu.be/PfzFfgvt1H8

Partial listing of stolen coins:

Slabbed coins
1859 Italian States Sardinia 20 Lire ANACS #3212630 AU55
1875 Netherlands 10 Gulden ANACS #3212626 MS63
1884 Greece 20 Drachmai ICG MS60 Details Reverse Scratched
AH1327 (1909) Turkey 100 Kurush ICG AU55
AH1370 (1950) Saudi Arabia Guinea ICG MS65
1955 Dominican Republic 30 Peso ICG MS63
2000 France 100 Franc NGC #3725131-002 PF70 Ultra Cameo
2001 Gibraltar 1 Crown NGC #3725131-001 PF69 Ultra Cameo
Charlotte Gold $2.5 NGC (was not on eBay)

Raw Coins
AH1293 Turkey 100 Kurush
1813 France 20 Franc
1868 Philippines 1 Peso
AH1285 (1968) Tunisia 100 Piastes
1904 Tunisia 20 Francs
1923/24 Turkey 25 Kurush
1923/34 Turkey 100 Kurush
1930 Tunisia 100 Francs
1944 Romania 20 Lei
AH1370 (1950) Saudi Arabia Guinea
1950 Vatican City 100 Lire
1955 Egypt 1 Pound
1959 Mexico 10 Pesos
1959 Vatican City John XXIII Proof (possibly a medal not coin)
1960 Ghana 2 Pounds
1961 Turkey 50 Kurush
1964 Liberia $20
1966 Sierra Leone 1/4 Golde
1969 Calgary Stampede Proof Medal (in original leather holder)
1973 Bahama $100 in 14K Bezel
1976 Cook Islands $100
1976 Papua New Guinea 100 Kina
1978 Belize $250 (in original box with COA)
1986 South Korea 25000 Won Folk Dancing Proof
1987 South Korea 25000 Won Fan Dance Proof
1987 South Korea 25000 Won Kite Proof
1996 US $5 Atlanta Olympics Flag Bearer Proof
1997 US $5 Franklin D. Roosevelt Uncirculated
1999 US $5 George Washington Uncirculated
2000 Christmas Island/Kiribati $50
2000 Christmas Island/Kiribati $100
2000 France 1 Franc
2000 Kiribati/Samoa 5 Piece Set
2000 US $10 Library of Congress Bi-metal Proof
2000 US $10 Library of Congress Bi-metal Uncirculated
2001 Australia $20 Donald Bradman Bi-metal Proof
2001 Australia $20 Gregorian Millennium Bi-metal
2001 Australia $150 Golden Wattle Proof (in original mint box with COA)
2001 France 655,957 Francs Proof
2001 South Africa 1/4 ounce gold 40th Anniversary of the Rand
2002 Australia $20 Golden Jubilee Bi-metal Proof
2003 Australia $20 Anniversary of Coronation Bi-metal Proof
2003 US $10 Wright Brothers Proof
Aztec Calendar Pendant (14K)

Details of the offense will be outlined in a future e-mail.

Anyone with information should contact:

Doug Davis

817-723-7231 or [email protected]

 

October 28th, 2014

Anthony Dimase alias Anthony Polcari
Anthony Dimase alias Anthony Polcari

Photo-Person of Interest

The Suffolk County Police Department is requesting assistance of any dealer that knows or has conducted business with a subject identified as Anthony Dimase alias Anthony Polcari.

Anyone with information should contact:  Doug Davis 817-723-7231 or [email protected]

October 25th, 2014

Missing/Stolen Coins

The following coins were sent from Dubuque, Iowa to Sioux City, Iowa, with stops in Indianapolis and Omaha. The package arrived at its destination empty, slit with a razor knife/blade and the contents missing.The package contained:

1896 Proof Pattern 5 Cent coin, PCGS PR65,J-1770 HW Bass Jr. Col 6224.65/5501070 with CAC sticker.

1896 Proof Pattern 10 Cent coin, PCGS PR-65, J-697, 60922.65/25359755

Anyone with information contact: Doug Davis 817-723-7231

ISRAEL CUSTOMS

crime_oct25_israel
Hellenic Kingdoms and City States, Macedon-Olynthos, AR Tetradrachm, c.500-450 BC, Chalkidian League

The coin below was sent via USPS to Israel. Tracking information shows the coin arriving at Customs in Israel. Israel Customs cannot locate package.

Hellenic Kingdoms and City States, Macedon-Olynthos, AR Tetradrachm, c.500-450 BC, Chalkidian League
(No legend)
Laureate head of Apollo left
X_A_Λ_KIΔ_EΩN
Kithara with seven strings, studded decorative band on frame, all within shallow incuse square
24mm x 25mm, 14.07g, 11h
Robinson & Clement group H, (A17/P17); SNG ANS 471

Anyone with information should contact: Doug Davis at 817-723-7231.

October 22nd, 2014

 Missing 1796 Quarter

A Federal Express package being shipped from the UK to Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Inc. containing a 1796 Quarter graded AU58 has been reported missing. The last tracking information showed the package cleared customs in Memphis, TN.

Anyone with information should contact:

Glenn Onishi 310-551-2646 or Doug Davis 817-723-7231 [email protected]

 

October 20th, 2014

Assistance Requested

The Suffolk County Police Department (NY) is requesting assistance of any dealer that knows or has conducted business with a subject identified as Anthony Dimase.

Anyone with information should contact:  Doug Davis  at 817-723-7231 or [email protected]

Silver Dollars Stolen

A double row box full of common date Morgan dollars in plastic flips was stolen from the table of  “The Coin Shop Biloxi” during the MNA show held in Southaven, Mississippi. The dates ranged from 1878-S to 1922 and graded EF to MS63. The flips had an insert with “The Coin Shop Biloxi” and the box  had shop stickers on the inside lid and bottom (underneath coins).

Anyone with information should contact: Doug Davis  817-723-7231 or [email protected]

October 16th, 2014

Coin Shop Burglary

On the weekend of October 11, 2014 an Eastern Shore Maryland dealer was the victim of a burglary which resulted in the loss of over $300,000 in gold and cash. The suspects utilized  a sledge hammer to gain entry into the shop from an adjoining business.  The motion alarm was not tripped.

Approximately 500-600 pieces of fractional gold and early commemoratives was stolen. The coins included Pandas, Maple Leafs, Eagles and Kangaroos. Also taken was $60,000 in cash.

Dealers should be on  the watch for any subject or subjects attempting to sell a large number of gold coins as described above.

Anyone with information should contact:

Doug Davis

817-723-7231 [email protected]

October 15th, 2014

Reward

A $5,000 REWARD  IS BEING OFFERED FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE RECOVERY OF A 1795 SMALL EAGLE NGC MS62 #1948078-003

LOST BY FEDEX SEPTEMBER 23rd. ( See original Posting and photo below) THE COIN WAS LAST SCANNED AT THE MEMPHIS FEDEX LOCATION.

Anyone with information should contact:

Jeff Garrett

859-396-4505

 

October 9th, 2014

Missing Coins

John Brush, Vice President of David Lawrence Rare Coins advises that after returning from the PCGS Invitational Coin Show in Las Vegas, Nevada an 1898-S $20 PCGS MS64+ with serial number 06611632 is missing.

Anyone with information should contact:

John Brush, Vice President
www.davidlawrence.com
[email protected]
1-800-776-0560 x102
direct dial: 757-962-7502
private fax: 757-653-5559

 

October 2nd, 2014

 Vehicle Burglary

Tacoma  Washington police are investigating the vehicle burglary of dealer Revick Galstaun of West Coast Coins. The offense occurred while the vehicle was parked  at the Emeralds Casino in Tacoma, Washington.
Below is a partial listing of stolen coins.

No Date nickel MS-66 PCGS Triple Clip #E11111.66/28650098  $125

1853 No Arrows 10c PCGS Genuine #4599.98/27928417   $676

1875 Twenty Cent PCGS AU Details Cleaned #5296.92/28692436 $495

1875 Twenty Cent PCGS VF-20  5296.20/20795097    $385

1918 S 1c NGC MS-64 RB #311849-003 $795

1919 S 1c NGC MS-64 RB #296446-002  $495

1939 S 1c NGC MS-67 RD #507173-031   $195

1943 1c NGC MS-67 #355565-006   $195

1862 Proof Dime Proof Details NGC #2628236-003  $695

1872 Proof Half Dime Cleaned  NGC #2558778-018   $385

1853 Gold California Fractional Quarter NGC MS-64 #4078254-005    $575

11 Total Certified Carson City Dollars PCGS (2), NGC (3), ANACS (4), Rattlers PCGS (2) Value: $3,185

12 Coin Set Collections, Lincoln Sets (4), US Type Set, Buffalo Nickel Set, Indian Cent Sets (2) one complete, liberty quarter set 1892-1916, another 1892-1904, barber half collection 1892-1915 (all except 1892 O has an XF 1905 P mint)

Carson City Dollar Set (in the the shape of Nevada only missing 1890 CC and 1893 CC has extra coin on bottom a nice PL CC coin)

34 Mixed NTC dollar slabs mostly (certification # recorded) tOTAL IST VALUE: $23,175

220 Raw Morgan Dollars (117 are not in flips but are in small plastic bags) (103 are graded from VF to MS-65) The ones in flips will have a code on the back middle portion saying either “ES” or “EK” for the cost. Value: $7,587

Wisconsin 3-piece quarter set the errors $300

Raw Key Dates: (if in original holders code# on back in upper-left side with blue dot on flip) (photos available on request)

#4778    1795 Large Cent AG $275

#7890    1877 1c VF-XF    $1985

#34        1877 1c Good Corroded   Ugly $425

#338      1909 S 1c Indian VF $545

#6992   1909 S VDB 1c XF   $1085

#7811   1909 S VDB 1c VF-XF   $95

#6578    1914 D 1c VF-XF $49

#6047    1864 Small Motto 2c VF-XF   $675  (and two others)

#6320   1872 2c VF-XF $895

Coin Books Stolen:

Indian/Flying Cents Total 285 Coins $11,143.75

Copper Half Cents / Large Cents 176 Coins $8121.20

Jefferson Nickel Book Around 400 coins $2,000

Buffalo Nickel Book 502 Coins total   $16,314.25

Mercury Dime Book 254 Coins $7,529.30

(coin book list/photos available on request)

Also taken was a large amount of PCGS, NGC and ANACs certified coins. This list is also available upon request.

Anyone with information should contact: Doug Davis 817-723-7231 [email protected].

 

October 1st, 2014

 Vehicle Burglary

The Maryland State police are investigating the smash and grab vehicle burglary of dealer Mark Reid of the Time Machine. The victim stopped  at a way station on I95 while traveling between the Fredericksburg show and Fort Washington Show. In less than five minutes the suspects, described by witnesses as three large Hispanic males smashed the rear window and removed coins, medals and antiquities valued at over $200,000. The suspect vehicle was described as a beat up black van with Virginia plates.

The stolen items included boxes of small antiquities such as seals, amulets, rings and cylinders which totaled approximately 200. Over 800 coins including ancient, world, US and medieval were taken. Additional items included a large amount of medals from the 1800’s, 100 medium sized antiquities in bronze and terracotta like statues, animals, jewelry and a box containing 15 scarcer Alexandrian drachms with Ancient import flips in them.

A more detailed list is forthcoming.

Anyone with information should contact: Trooper Brandon Cuomo 410-537-1150 or Doug Davis at 817-723-7231 [email protected]

 

1795 Small Eagle $5 NGC-62
1795 Small Eagle $5 NGC-62

September 29th, 2014

Missing Express Mail Package

The attached coin was sent by Federal Express on Monday, September 22, 2014 and was last scanned in Memphis. The coin is still missing.

Anyone with information please contact:

Jeff Garrett 859-276-1551

or

Doug Davis 817-723-7231

 

September 25th, 2014

Missing Coins

A USPS Express Mail package belonging to Spectrum/Stack’s Bowers Galleries went missing in Santa Ana, CA on August 28, 2014, while in the custody of the Post Office. The package contained four graded coins.

· 1927 $20 St Gauden PCGS MS-66 #9186.66-7670754 · 1924 $20 St Gauden PCGS MS-66 #9177.66-25305347 · 1928 $20 St Gauden PCGS MS-66 #9189.66-7370122 · 1927 $20 St Gauden PCGS MS-66 #9186.66-50135665

Anyone with information should contact:

David Chavin 732-348- 5787 0r Doug Davis 817-723-7231

 
The Numismatic Crime Information Center is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit
corporation. P.O. Box 14080 Arlington, Texas 76094.

September 10th, 2014

Stolen Coins

A Fedex shipment containing rare Cypress coins along with 40 other scarce world coins have been reported stolen while being shipped from Athens Greece to Paris.

 

The rare Cyprus coins are the following:


a. Cyprus ¼ Piastre 1880 of Queen Victoria. This coin looks like Proof but we believe that it would have been graded as MS65BN PL according the USA standards or Brown Uncirculated (Prooflike) according to the UK standards. The coin has a mirror surface and brown color both sides which
makes it looks proof but we believe it is an early strike.

b. Cyprus ½ Piastre 1908 of King Edward VII. We believe that this coin would have been graded as MS63BN or MS64BN according to the USA standards or Brown Uncirculated according to the UK standards. This coin has some red luster on reverse and light brown color both sides. This is the weakly struck variety (King’s portrait on obverse and the line from ½ on reverse are weakly stuck). 


c. Cyprus Proof set of 3 silver coins dated 1921 of King George V. The coins are 4 ½ Piastres, 9 Piastres and 18 Piastres all dated 1921. These coins have dark grey and blue patina and we believe that they would have been graded as follows: 18 Piastres PF64-65, 9 Piastres PF64-65 and 4 ½ Piastres PF63-64. The 4 ½ Piastres has a few light hairlines from an old cleaning which are under the deep grey and purple patina. All coins have a matching dark grey and blue toning except the 4 ½ Piastres which has also a light purple color mixed with grey.

Other coins stolen include 20 Gem Uncirculated Malaya & British Borneo 20 Cents 1961 of Queen Elizabeth II (MS65-MS67) and 20 modern Greek coins from King Paul I and King Constantine II.

Any dealer or collector with information on this offense should contact:

Doug Davis

 

September 5th, 2014

Stolen Coins

The following gold coins were stolen from BucksCoins in the United Kingdom.

Any dealer or collector with information on this offense should contact:

Doug Davis

July 7th, 2014

Coin Shop Burglary San Antonio, Texas

Harry’s Coin and Jewelry in San Antonio,TX was burglarized in the early morning hours of 7/6/2014. The suspect or suspects gained entry into a neighboring office space that was vacant and broke through the wall into a shelved inventory area. Once inside they removed several boxes of silver bullion coins from the shelves.

The following is a partial list of coins taken.

Brittanias (51)
2012 Moose (13)
Philharmonics (50)
2012 Cougar (15)
Mex. Libertads (47)
2013 Bison (17)
Royal Mint 2014 Horse (12)
2013 Antelope (10)
Silver Panda’s (49)
Birds of Prey (32)
Noah’s Ark (14)
Maple leafs 2011-14 (62)
Tokelau Horse (5 )
1.5 Maple Leafs Fox 12, Polar Bear (11)
Tokelau Snake (5)
Kookaburras 1990-14 (113)
Koalas 2009-14 (41)
Canada Silver
Zombuck (9)
2011 Wolf (13)
Lakota (7)
2011 Grizzly (12)
Salt Croc (96)

Any dealer or collector with information should contact:

Doug Davis
817-723-7231
[email protected]

July 6th, 2014

Breck Rare Coins Victim of Major Theft after the recent Baltimore show.

David Salvette, owner, of Breck Rare Coins was the victim of a major theft after the recent Baltimore show. The theft occurred from a Super Shuttle van parked in front of the Hyatt Hotel. The suspect removed a roller bag from the rear of the van as Salvette and the driver were getting inside to depart for the airport. Video from the hotel shows a tall black male wearing a tie removing the bag from the van. A report has been filed with the Baltimore Police Department.

The following is a list of coins stolen.

PCGS and NGC certified silver, gold and copper in 11 PCGS blue boxws and two Bowers & Merena black cardboard boxes. Includes about 25 Walkers, 75 Morgans, and two Peace Dollars, all white, all PCGS. Includes three Lincolns (1909-S VDB MS64 B CAC, 1955/55 AU58, 1910-S MS64 RD, 1909-S Indian Cl.) Includes about 70 NGC gold slabs $1-$20 and about 93 PCGS slabs $1-$20. Better dates include $20 1926-S P64, 1915 P64, 1914 P64, 1913 P62, 1911 P62, P64, 1913-S P63, 1909 P64, 1909/08 P62 CAC, 1908 W/M P64, 1922-S P63, 1925 P64, 1926 P65 CAC, 1927 P66, 1928 P66, 1913-D P62. Includes 30+ Ten Indians PCGS and NGC, including 1907 N63 and others P&N XF 45-MS 62. Includes 1885 P55 CAC $2-1/2. 1888-O, 1892-O, 1893-O, 1894-O, 1895-O, 1901-O, 1903-O, 1904-O, 1906-O, P&N graded MS61-MS62.Morgans include 1888-O Hot lips P55 CAC, 1889-CCP VG08.

Any dealer with information should contact: Doug Davis – 817-723-7231 [email protected]

March 21, 2014

Major Theft/Stolen Ancient Coins

numismeoNumismeo_3910March 20, 2014 – Michael Creusy from ABC Numismatique a Lyon-based coin shop was the victim of a major theft. The family, who has been in the coin business for more than forty years, was on their way home from the bi-annual numismatic coin show in Paris on March 15, 2014 when they were robbed of their complete inventory of ancient and modern coins worth over 1 million euros. Allegedly two men are being suspected and also linked to thefts of rare coins at Crinon and Poinsignon during the Paris coin show.

According to Mr Creusy ‘an unpublished unique denarius of Galba from Carthage and a Charles IV Salut struck in gold in Paris are just two examples of the many unique and rare pieces that were stolen.

A list of stolen coins can be viewed on the victim’s website: (Language translator is located at the top of the page) http://www.numismeo.com/

Anyone with information or is offered any of the coins listed please contact:

Doug Davis at 817-723-7231 or email at [email protected]

February 21, 2014

Missing/Stolen Coins
A coin being shipped to Orange County, California has been reported missing/stolen. The coin is a 1855-O $20 Lib. PCGS XF-45 with a CAC Sticker. The serial number is 11510992 (pictured below). Anyone with information should contact:  Doug Davis at 817-723-7231 or via email at [email protected]

1855-O_20_missing

Orlando, Florida
 
A United Postal Service package containing coins has been reported missing/stolen in Orlando, Florida.
The package contained the following coins:

 

7 pc Liberty gold set in plastic holder

1910 $2.5 raw                                                         

1915 $2.5 raw                           

1891 10 cent PCGS PR66                          

1909-S $20 raw                                                         

1909-S $20 raw                           

1909-S $20 raw                           

Isabella 25 cent raw                      

1910-D $20 raw (2)

1851-O $20 raw                           

1851 $20 raw                           

1856-S $20 raw                           

1852-O $20 raw                           

1861 $20 raw                           

1868-S $20 raw                           

1869 $2.5 NGC AU50                          

1899 $2.5 NGC PF65 star ultra cameo

1889-cc $1 AU 58 off holder                        

1861 $5 raw                           

1942 50 cent PCGS PR67 cac                           

1911-D $2.5 PCGS AU55 Strong D                             

1803/2 $5 raw

1850-O $20 raw

Photos of the above coins are available on request.

Anyone with information should contact:

Inv. David Chavin

732-348-5787

or

Doug Davis

 

February 13, 2014

 Currency Dealer Victim of Vehicle Burglary
A currency dealer on his way home after a attending the recent White Plains New York Coin Show was the victim of a vehicle burglary which resulted in the loss of over $500,000 in collectible currency. The suspects smashed the windows of the  vehicle and removed briefcases containing the dealer’s inventory.

The following is a partial list of stolen currency:

$15,000. Face in $1.00 Federal Reserve Notes from 1963 to 2009
400 $2 FRNs from 1976 to 2009 Stars & Blocks
$10,000. Face in $5 Feds from Series 1928-C to 2006
$12,000. Face in $10 Feds from Series 1928-A to 2004-A
$15,000. Face in $20 Feds from Series 1928 to 2013
$18,000 Face in $50 Feds from 1928 to 2006
$2,500 Face in $100 Feds from 1928 to 2009
83 pieces of $2 Legal tender from 1928 to 1928-G in varying grades from F to Gem
70+/- pieces of $2 Legal Tender from 1953 to 1963-A
25 FRBNs all Grades and Districts & Denominations
20 Hawaii all Denominations
15 No. Africa All Denominations
400 to 500- $1.00 Silver Certificates (95% UNC)
150- $5.00 Silver Certificates (80% UNC)
20- $10 Silver Certificates
Thousands of fancy Numbers- all denominations

A list is being compiled by the victim which will contain serial numbers on the majority of missing notes.

Anyone with information should contact:
Doug Davis
tel:817-723-7231
[email protected]

February 10, 2014

COUNTERFEIT SUSPECT

Dealers in Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma and Kansas should be on the look out for a suspect selling counterfeit coins and bullion within the last ten days. The suspect has been identified as Gabe Owen and sometimes uses the alias Garet or Gabriel Owen. Owen is a white male and uses a Kansas driver’s license or a passport as identification. The vehicle driven by Owen is a white Yukon or Tahoe.
Owen is attempting to sell gold bars, one ounce gold eagles, a 1795 PCGS VF dollar and silver eagles. The same suspect was identified in similar incidents and reported by NCIC approximately one year ago.
We are working with authorities to get a current photo. At the present time there is no outstanding warrant for this subject.
Doug Davis
 

 

Numismatic Crime Information Center
Numismatic Crime Information Centerhttp://www.numismaticcrimes.org/
The Numismatic Crime Information Center (NCIC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation whose mission is to serve as a national and international resource for collectors, dealers, and law enforcement in the education, prevention, and investigation of crimes involving coins, paper money, tokens, medals, and related numismatic items. NCIC disseminates current crime-related issues to the numismatic industry and provides local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies with the fundamental investigative techniques, knowledge, and understanding to respond effectively to the complex challenges encountered during a crime. Please contact the Numismatic Crime Information Center's Doug Davis if you have questions or information concerning open cases. You can reach him at (817) 723-7231, or email him at [email protected].

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3 COMMENTS

    • Chris:
      The problem is stolen items are oftern sold off quickly and the information in a print magazine is almost out-of-date by the time it is published.

      However, by using CoinWeek, we can disseminate information within hours to 30,000 plus collectors and dealers.

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