Stolen Gold Recovered

A stolen gold coin from the famed 1715 Treasure Fleet was recovered during the Central States Numismatic Society (CSNS) convention on April 24. The coin, a rare 1709 Lima 8 escudos, had sold at auction in November 2025 for $40,500. A dealer at the show, Tony Gryckiewicz, became suspicious after two individuals offered to sell it to him at a steep discount, explaining the piece had belonged to their grandmother.

After researching the piece and consulting with auctioneer Dan Sedwick, Gryckiewicz learned the coin matched one reported missing by its owner. He alerted other dealers and convention security as the suspects continued trying to sell it to dealers on the bourse floor. Gryckiewicz found the pair again and expressed interest in buying the coin. He stalled them at his table while authorities were contacted. Schaumburg police responded after the owner filed a theft report, ultimately arresting the pair. 

Doug Davis, founder and president of the Numismatic Crime Information Center, says that Gryckiewicz’s quick actions, along with the immediate response by show security and Schaumburg police, were key to a successful arrest. He commends “the dealers involved, CSNS show personnel, the show security, and Schaumburg police for a job well done.” He added, “Bridging the gap between the numismatic community and law enforcement is the key to reducing numismatic crime.”