Illinois police are investigating the theft of a display case filled with Rolex watches and coins worth an estimated $500,000 US (about $655,000 Cdn.) during the recent American Numismatic Association (ANA) World’s Fair of Money.
On Aug. 15, during the show’s setup in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont, Ill., several people without badges stole a dealer’s display case. As coin shows returned and coin stores reopened following the pandemic, organized groups have targeted U.S. dealers with thefts resulting in substantial losses.
“The ANA’s board of governors will convene a series of special meetings to conduct a thorough evaluation of the association’s security protocols and take steps to address the emerging threats to the numismatic community’s property and physical safety,” said ANA President Ralph Ross. “We look forward to collaborating with law enforcement, security specialists and members of our numismatic community for purposes of minimizing risks in our community.”
To see a full list of the stolen watches and coins, visit the Numismatic Crime Information Center website at bit.ly/3xkAY5c.
Three 1934 U.S. $500 banknotes were also stolen from a dealer during the ANA show, which drew nearly 9,000 attendees from Aug. 16-20.