Thief Spends Rare Old Coins on Pizza, Movie

The coins were part of a collection valued at $100,000. The thief and his girlfriend were hired by an elderly woman for handyman work, a kindness they repaid by ripping off her coin collection. Some of the coins turned up at a movie theater.

$100,000 Reward for Missing Double Eagle

The Numismatic Crime Information Center has posted a $100,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of a rare 1870 Carson City Gold Double Eagle stolen in a Brinks robbery last year.
The full story on the theft is here.

Family to Appeal Gov't Seizure of Gold Coins

A very controversial case isn't settled yet, despite a judge's ruling (and the agreement of a jury) that several extraordinarily rare gold coins could not have been obtained legally -- and, therefore, belong to the U.S. government and not to the family that was in possession. The family says an appeal will be forthcoming.

Metal Detector Tracks Coin Thru Digestive Tract

Yes, this one's a bit odd. The kid swallowed a coin. Of course, parents want to know, well, how it's going. Uncle provides a metal detector so they can track "progress."

Residential Theft Nets $500,000 coins, paper, watches

I don't usually post residential thefts because they are about as common as murders these days. Collectors like to keep their treasures at hand, either for show and tell or  just to enjoy personally. This theft though seemed almost like the robbery of a museum, so extensive was the haul. From the few reports of recoveries I have seen, those who suggest an "inside job" may be on the money. Not necessarily a friend or relation, sometimes hired help who get a sniff of valuables to be harvested.

Fabulous Treasure Ship Gold To Be Auctioned

My friends at ESylum newsletter posted this link to a great story on treasure ship gold -- ten tons of it! -- and how one of the ingots is now headed for auction. In related news, there is some dispute about ownership of the trove, some of which, curiously enough, seems to have wandered off to Belize...

"Pocket Change" Penny Brings $20,700

Due to a slight difference in design from later mintings, a 1992-D penny brought $20,700 at a recent auction. According to the article, more examples of the same coin may be found in circulation.