Russia Seizes Ancient Gold Coins Stolen from French Museum

Jerusalem Post ('Russia seizes hoard of ancient gold coins stolen from French museum' March 26, 2025) Russian authorities has announced the seizure of a collection of ancient gold coins stolen from the Saint-Remi Museum in Reims, northeastern France, after an attempt to sell them on the Moscow antiquities market. According to Le Figaro, the discovery marks a breakthrough in a case that had remained unsolved for several years. The operation was carried out jointly by Russian police and the Federal Security Service (FSB) after coins resembling the stolen artifacts surfaced on the Moscow antique market. Interpol provided photos and detailed descriptions of the missing artifacts. Checks confirmed that the coins precisely matched those stolen from the Saint-Remi Museum. In response, Russian police launched extensive searches in a Moscow antique shop and at the homes of several collectors.

During these operations, law enforcement officers recovered 79 coins from antique dealers and numismatists. Among the seized items were rare ancient specimens minted between the 1st and 5th centuries CE. The total value of the collection exceeds 55 million rubles (approximately 607,200 euros).

The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs has confirmed that arrangements are being made for the collection’s return to its permanent exhibition in France, ensuring the artefacts are restored to their rightful home.

A French museum guard had previously been convicted of the theft.

Hat tip: Museum of Looted Antiquities @MuseumofLoot