From Numismatic Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Numismaticcrimes.org
Detectives with the Wheeling, IL Police Department are investigating a burglary that resulted in the loss of 600 2001 Silver Buffalo coins. The coins were being prepared to be sent in for grading.
300 of the coins were Uncirculated and 300 in Proof. The offense occurred on or about April 22, 2012.
Anyone having any information should contact:
Det. Connolly
847-459-2648
or
Doug Davis
817-723-7231
Doug@numismaticcrimes.org
CONTACT: Jay Beeton or RyAnne Scott
Telephone: 719-482-9841
E-mail: pr@money.org
www.money.org
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – Former ANA collections manager Wyatt Yeager, 33, has been sentenced to 27 months in federal prison, two years supervised release and ordered to pay $948,505 in restitution for the theft of approximately 300 historically significant coins and objects from the American Numismatic Association Money Museum in Colorado Springs, CO.
The sentence was imposed today in Federal District Court in Wilmington, DE. Judge Leonard P. Stark imposed the sentence based on Yeager’s guilty plea in January to one count of Theft of Major Artwork, a violation of Title 18, United States, Section 668.
“The harm caused by this theft transcends monetary loss – it was a terrible loss for the association and for collectors everywhere. The ANA’s collection provides a window into the history of society, culture and economics from the ancient world to the present day. Because of Mr. Yeager’s actions, significant cultural items will not be available to museum visitors, researchers and other interested groups,” ANA President Tom Hallenbeck said. “We are glad to see justice was served. Now that this case is behind us, the ANA can focus on its educational mission.”
Yeager embezzled more than $492,205 in rare coins from the ANA’s Money Museum and sold these items in auctions in Baltimore in May 2007, St. Louis in June 2007 and Melbourne, Australia, in July 2007. One of the coins in the Australian sale was the rare Australian 1813 Holey Dollar, which sold for $155,755.
Yeager embezzled an additional $492,535 in rare coins and sold them in an auction in Germany.
Yeager was the museum’s collections manager from January through March 2007. The theft was discovered by museum officials in October 2007 and was the subject of an extensive FBI investigation after museum staff confirmed the missing items.
“These charges are the result of the joint efforts of this office and Special Agent Thomas K. Vest, of the FBI Colorado Springs Resident Agency, Denver Division,” said Charles M. Oberly III, United States Attorney for the District of Delaware. “The embezzlement of such a large number of rare coins is a serious crime. Aggravating the seriousness of the offense is the fact that the coins are cultural property, a part of our history.”
“The FBI will continue to pursue those who misappropriate rare items, such as the coins embezzled by Yeager, and appreciate the District of Delaware’s commitment to prosecuting this significant crime,” said James F. Yacone, FBI Special Agent in charge of the Denver, Colo., Division.
The ANA retained Robert Wittman, Inc., a security and recovery consulting firm that specializes in recovering stolen art and collectibles, to investigate and recover the stolen coins. The company can be contacted at 610-361-8929.
This case was prosecuted by David L. Hall, Assistant United States Attorney. Hall has an extensive history of handling crimes involving art and cultural property. For more information on the case, contact Oberly or Hall at 302-573-6277.
A list of stolen items and other information on the theft can be found at www.money.org, by clicking on “Communications” and selecting “Museum Theft.”
The 2012 United States Mint Proof Set contains 14 coins in stunning proof quality displayed in three protective lenses. Each of these 2012-dated coins bears the “S” mint mark of the United States Mint at San Francisco. Goes on sale May 7th for $31.95. Link to U.S. Mint
From Numismatic Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Numismaticcrimes.org
A dealer returning home from a Charlottesville coin show on April 14, 2012 was the victim of a theft that resulted in the loss of his entire inventory.
The dealer who resides in Anandale, VA pulled into his driveway and prepared to unload. The dealer accompanied by his wife and another relative went inside their residence for less than five minutes. While inside an unknown person or persons entered his vehicle and removed several cases containing coins and a large amount of paper money.
A large group of Virginia Nationals was taken and included towns of Warrington, Marshall, Fredricksburg, Winchester, Hot Springs, Fairfax and Charlottesville. Individual boxes of silver dollars, Indians & half cents, large cents and an almost complete set of commemoratives.
The dealer may have been targeted at the show and followed home.
Anyone with information should contact:
Doug Davis
Founder/President
817-723-7231
Doug@numismaticcrimes.org
CONTACT: RyAnne Scott
Telephone: 719-482-9867
E-mail: pr@money.org
www.money.org
Spectacular Exhibits, Large Bourse, Educational Programs Highlight ANA National Money Show in Denver
A large bourse, great numismatic inventory, numerous family activities and a chance to meet the Treasurer of the United States await attendees of the American Numismatic Association’s Spring National Money Show, May 10-12 in Denver.
The spring coin show and convention, at the Colorado Convention Center, will also feature top-rate educational programs and a superb collection of numismatic rarities assembled for the ANA’s Museum Showcase. Plus, children visiting the show can take home a special Mother’s Day coin for their moms.
“Everyone who comes to the National Money Show in Denver will have a fantastic experience,” said ANA President Tom Hallenbeck. “The bourse floor is bigger than last year’s spring show in Sacramento. The Museum Showcase will feature some amazing pieces from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and the ANA Money Museum, along with items with cool Colorado connections from private collections.”
Show hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 10-11 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 12, with ticket sales ending 30 minutes before closing. Admission is free for ANA members and $6 for non-members. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free.
Amazing exhibits
The Museum Showcase (booth 636) will delight visitors with seldom-seen pieces from notable museums and private collections, some with a distinct Colorado flavor. One impressive display provides a history of American Indian Peace Medals, documenting the practice of giving medals to tribal leaders on behalf of U.S. Presidents.
The exhibit will feature four medals from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science collection, including a rare large piece depicting Thomas Jefferson carried by Lewis and Clark during their expedition to explore the Louisiana Purchase. Indian Peace Medals are often cited as a symbol of the relationship between the federal government and American Indians in the 18th and 19th centuries and were given by presidents from Washington to Benjamin Harrison.
The finest, most comprehensive collection of Colorado Territorial Gold will be on display: The Frederick Mayer Collection. Comprising 26 pieces, the exhibit includes territorial pieces minted by the Denver City Assay Office; Clark, Gruber and Company; Dr. John Parson; and J.J. Conway & Company. When gold was discovered in an area, territorial gold pieces minted by local assayers turned gold dust and nuggets into usable, easy-to-spend gold tokens.
Colorado gold nuggets from an anonymous private collection will also wow visitors.
Treasures from the ANA’s collection include a 1792 half disme, the Idler/Bebee specimen 1804 dollar, the McDermott/Bebee specimen 1913 Liberty Head nickel, and a selection of Colorado National Bank notes.
The National Money Show marks the debut of a new U.S. Treasury area (booth 1036) that combines the U.S. Mint and Bureau of Engraving and Printing displays. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing will bring its Billion Dollar Display of high-denomination money, including $100,000 notes – plus give regularly scheduled demonstrations of its Civil War era, one-ton, hand-turned money printing press.
The BEP is observing its 150th anniversary with the 2012 Intaglio Print program. At the National Money Show, it will release one of three intaglio print cards featuring vignettes from its storied history.
The BEP will hold a drawing for the opportunity to buy the first print at noon on May 10; Treasurer of the United States Rosie Rios will sign the first print and present it to the winner. From 12:30-3 p.m. at the U.S. Treasury area, she will sign the public’s bank notes or, for a $2 trade, will sign a special display holder containing $1 coin and $1 note. Rios also will speak at opening ceremonies.
The United States Mint, which is observing its 220th anniversary, will sell a number of new and current Mint products.
The ever-popular Collector Exhibits area gives ANA members the opportunity to share their collections and research with fellow hobbyists. Several dozen competitive and noncompetitive exhibits will be displayed this year on a wide range of topics.
Fun for families
Kids Zone and Treasure Trivia (booth 836) provide children and families with a variety of activities and chances to win valuable prizes. Children can pick up a free Mother’s Day elongated coin, featuring a bouquet of flowers, for their mothers at The Elongated Collectors area (booth 733).
Many of the nearly 500 numismatic dealers attending the show will provide free, informal appraisals for visitors who bring in their old coins and paper money.
At the ANA Area (booth 836), visitors can find out more about ANA membership, educational opportunities and watch videos about the ANA and coverage of the show itself. Members can start an ANA Library account and check out books on site. Visitors can also spin the prize wheel and enter for the chance to win 30 seconds in the Cash Cube.
Educational activities
Numismatic Theatre, held May 11-12, lets ANA members discuss their research and ideas in lecture format. Talks range from ancient coins to counterfeiting along with several talks dedicated to Colorado’s numismatic history.
Two fee-based convention seminars will be offered. Noted counterfeit expert Dr. Gregory Dubay will teach “Facing the Chinese Counterfeit Threat” from May 8-9; and professional numismatist and paper money grading expert Glen Jorde will present “Grading U.S. Paper Money” from May 8-9. Call 719-482-9850 to enroll.
“Coin Collecting 101,” an informal 30-minute presentation for numismatic newcomers, will be held at various times at booth 431. Want to learn more? Take the free course “Coin Collecting Basics” with ANA Numismatic Educator Rod Gillis from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. May 12. The ANA will offer Boy Scout Coin Collecting Merit Badge and Girl Scout Fun with Money Patch workshops on May 12 (registration required).
Chuck D’Ambra is the event’s general chairman and Howard Hinsey is the assistant chair. The Denver Coin Club is the host club. For more information on the show, call 719-482-9849 or go to www.NationalMoneyShow.com.