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YarnAddict

(1,850 posts)

12. I read a very detailed explanation this a.m.

Tue Mar 4, 2014, 02:24 PM

Mar 2014

This is the applicable explanation of why they will probably have to return them:

Treasure trove is any gold or silver in coin, plate, or bullion that is hidden by an unknown owner in the earth or other private place for an extended period. The property is not considered treasure trove unless the identity of the owner cannot be determined. Under early common law, the finder of a treasure trove took title to it against everyone but the true owner. The U.S. law governing treasure trove has been merged, for the most part, into the law governing lost property. In the absence of a contrary statutory provision, the title to treasure trove belongs to the finder against all others with the exception of the true owner.

It sounds like there was plenty of evidence that the found coins were the ones that had been stolen. They were all uncirculated mint condition coins, and included

an ultra-rare 1866 Liberty $20 gold piece missing the phrase “In God We Trust” — a coin which was never released to the public and which must have been produced and kept within the mint itself.

I think that there can be little doubt that this was the origin of the find, and I doubt if the US Government is going to take a "finders keepers, losers weepers" attitude toward it.

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Gold Coins [View all] packman Mar 2014 OP

In this case, the bank is the U.S. Mint. Common Sense Party Mar 2014 #1

The old adage 'possession is 9/10s of the law' applies here. former9thward Mar 2014 #2

I agree. Hassin Bin Sober Mar 2014 #25

I thought I had read in one of the threads that some of the coins Packerowner740 Mar 2014 #3

ALL of the coins from the heist should be dated before the heist pinboy3niner Mar 2014 #7

I think I had that backwards Packerowner740 Mar 2014 #14

No shanti Mar 2014 #17

They'll likely get a finders fee - maybe 10%? cbdo2007 Mar 2014 #4

All I know is PowerToThePeople Mar 2014 #5

While I accept the premise customerserviceguy Mar 2014 #28

One way or another, I bet this couple ends up protecting their find in court Auggie Mar 2014 #6

Nope. They would have to prove it's the same gold that was stolen, which they can't. Shrike47 Mar 2014 #8

I was thinking along the same lines. Lex Mar 2014 #15

Good point, but at least one of these coins is unique tkmorris Mar 2014 #16

# 1 rule of finding treasure safeinOhio Mar 2014 #9

I wondered at the time why they were blabbing so much NightWatcher Mar 2014 #11

Same goes for winning the lottery 1000words Mar 2014 #33

So either the bank gets it all, or the US/state governments takes half in income taxes. Nice. reformist2 Mar 2014 #10

I'll take the half ($5 million) and let the government take the other half. riderinthestorm Mar 2014 #32

I read a very detailed explanation this a.m. YarnAddict Mar 2014 #12

Total speculation. former9thward Mar 2014 #18

I think you're incorrect, just based on precedent. Chan790 Mar 2014 #20

Are all the coins Double Eagles? former9thward Mar 2014 #22

The point is there is precedent that the Mint gets to claim possession on stolen currency... Chan790 Mar 2014 #23

If they do make a claim that is a lesson. former9thward Mar 2014 #24

If Jamie Dimon had found them, the fed would pay him to keep them. Orrex Mar 2014 #19

I hope that they have a good alibi Orrex Mar 2014 #13

I don't see anyone digging up contemporary articles closer to home, at the time mulsh Mar 2014 #21

hmmm ... CountAllVotes Mar 2014 #26

Coins do not have serial numbers.... Uben Mar 2014 #27

That is true CountAllVotes Mar 2014 #29

Okay... Uben Mar 2014 #30

The coins pictured have been graded CountAllVotes Mar 2014 #34

ZThis is why you never reveal a find like this. Just slowly sell items one at a time as needed. TeamPooka Mar 2014 #31

If the bank's funds at the time were insured and they collected on it Blue_Tires Mar 2014 #35