Coin-Show Crime
The nation has seen a surge in organized crime following coin shows. Thieves target dealers on their way home from conventions, and thefts are on the rise. Due to the increased criminal activity within the past 90 days, the Numismatic Crime Information Center (NCIC) has issued a warning to coin-show dealers and organizers to take proactive security measures, remain cautious, and promptly report suspicious activity.
In August two dealers driving home from the Tyler Coin Show in Texas stopped at a gas station. While they were inside, witnesses saw three suspects in a van pull up to the vehicle, break a window, and steal over $500,000 in coins and paper currency. One of the stolen bags contained an iPad, which allowed police to track down the thieves and recover the inventory. NCIC is assisting law enforcement agencies in cases like this in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, and Tennessee.
“We are gravely concerned that as the perpetrators’ actions become bolder and brazen, the potential for violence escalates, putting the lives of dealers and collectors in danger,” says Doug Davis, NCIC founder and president. “NCIC is committed to partnering with law enforcement and the numismatic industry to confront this alarming trend. Together, we must remain vigilant and resilient in the face of these challenges, preserving the integrity of the numismatic industry.”
A version of this article appears in the November 2024 issue of The Numismatist (money.org).