http://news.yahoo.com/judge-says-10-rare-gold-coins-worth-80-152750965--abc-news-topstories.html

This is a fascinating story (and since it's yahoo, my apologies if it's 6 months old). Family finds 10 rare gold coins in a safety deposit box, to which they are the lawful owner. Valued at $80M, original face value $200 ($20 x 10)

Technically, yeah, the courts are correct that the coins were unlawfully taken from the mint. I guess there's no statute of limitation?

But they should get something, and it seems there's a precedent as the govt split proceeds of the last one found. Now, note that had these not been stolen [my word, not clear of the circumstance] they would have been melted down decades ago.

Black market, beyatch!

O-Trap;1264154 wrote:Black market, beyatch!

That's an interesting question. Probably never occurred to them the govt would seize it without any recourse...Knowing that, would you quietly do a private sale (forget black market)? For that matter probably should have just melted it down. Imagine how you'd be kicking yourself, but how could you know?

Pawn Stars here I come..."I'm hoping for $80M, but I won't take less than $500k"

I'm betting some 3rd party collector with smart lawyers and lots of money makes everyone happy.

Moral of the story....you find 8 gold coins, you don't tell no one about 7 of 'em.