A word of warning for any US based coin thieves.

We're coming for you.

There are new laws on the books along with an increased willingness to take existing laws more seriously. I spoke to a local prosecutor recently about what exactly constitutes a "coin dealer" in the eyes of the law. His reply was "Anyone who sells coins". That's most of us. He also hinted that instead of looking at the amount stolen they were starting to base prosecutions on the number of complaints. I look forward to seeing some of the thieves preying on Numista members in orange jump suits and carrying a felony conviction for the rest of their lives. That karma can be a real bitch. Case in point - COIN DEALER ARRESTED

I know this guy. His shop is about a mile from my house and I've dealt with him on several occasions. His former partner is a friend of mine, he works at the local fleamarket and while I was busy browsing his coins he would always fill little Abby's pockets up with goodies. He really doted on her.

I'd heard all the rumors about the theft but he never did me any harm. Of course I don't hand over any cash until I get the coins in my hand, which is the great benefit of buying locally. For reasons you may understand, I've not been in a position to be buying coins for some time but in my last visit to his shop I was being offered some crazy prices on US silver coins. With hindsight it may have been that he was getting rid of his stock before it was seized by the County Sheriff's office.... I don't know but I got a great deal.

So now he's facing at least 37 counts of theft and looking at a long stretch in jail, his reputation will follow him around for the rest of his life. It's pretty sad really, he was a nice guy.

So if you are thinking of stealing a few coins from your fellow collectors, go ahead punk... make my day. US based members who have been cheated should contact their local PD or the County Sheriff's office which serves the area where the thief is located. The law is finally on our side - let's make use of it and get some payback.

Thanks for posting this.

One of the big challenges is that the market is international. Counterfeiters, slab-fakers, and manufacturers of PVC-filled holders in China and India will sleep well tonight since their governments couldn't care less that they are trying to defraud the public.

did you catch the latest american scammer? hs address was posted for a short while, so i guess you're handling it, mate?