Record-high prices for gold and silver have triggered a sharp rise in numismatic-related crimes nationwide, prompting warnings to coin dealers, collectors, and industry professionals. Law enforcement agencies and trade organizations report an uptick in grab-and-run thefts, distraction schemes, and organized smash-and-grab attacks targeting coin shops and precious-metals retailers.
“As the value of gold and silver climbs, criminals are increasingly targeting businesses and individuals involved in the numismatic trade,” said Doug Davis/Founder Numismatic Crime Information Center. “These crimes are becoming more aggressive, more organized, and more costly to both shops and collectors.”
Modus Operandi of Current Offenses
1. Grab-and-Run Thefts
In a typical grab-and-run scenario, a suspect requests to view high-value coins, bullion, or jewelry, then bolts out the door as the clerk turns their attention or hands over the item. Offenders often:
- Work in teams to distract staff or block pursuit paths
- Use timed entry and exit strategies
- Target shops with minimal security or limited staffing
2. Distraction Thefts
These thefts rely on overwhelming or diverting employees’ attention. Known methods include:
- Multiple suspects entering simultaneously
- One suspect engaging an employee in lengthy negotiation
- Others quietly opening unlocked cases or switching items
- Concealing high-value coins or bullion in clothing or bags
3. Organized Smash-and-Grab Attacks
With gold and silver at premium value, more groups are conducting coordinated attacks using tools such as:
- Sledgehammers
- Pry bars
- Impact-resistant glass breakers
- Backpacks or duffel bags for bulk scooping
These incidents often involve several masked suspects rushing in, smashing cases, and escaping with large quantities of gold and silver within seconds.
Impact on Collectors and Dealers
Rising numismatic crime affects the entire community:
- Financial Losses: Dealers face thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars in stolen inventory.
- Higher Insurance Costs: Increased claims are driving up premiums and tightening policy requirements.
- Market Disruption: Stolen goods re-entering the market can distort pricing and undermine consumer trust.
- Personal Safety Concerns: The escalation in aggressive tactics places both employees and customers at greater risk.
- Collector Vulnerability: Private collectors attending shows or buying/selling in person are increasingly being followed, targeted, or burglarized.
Prevention and Risk-Reduction Recommendations for Dealers
To reduce vulnerability, coin shops are urged to adopt a multi-layered security strategy:
Operational Safeguards
- Never hand over multiple high-value items simultaneously. Show one piece at a time.
- Keep showcases locked at all times. Only open cases when directly needed.
- Implement a controlled entry system. Use buzz-in doors or access limits.
- Maintain adequate staffing. Avoid allowing customers to browse unattended.
- Follow “no-pursuit” policies to avoid injuries or liability.
Physical Security Enhancements
- Install reinforced glass or polycarbonate showcases.
- Use anchored display cases resistant to tipping or dragging.
- Deploy high-resolution cameras with live-monitoring capability.
- Add silent-panic alarms and motion-activated recording systems.
- Store high-value items in safes when not actively being shown.
Behavioral and Situational Awareness
- Train employees to identify suspicious behaviors, such as……
- Multiple customers entering simultaneously with no clear purpose
- Individuals wearing gloves, masks, or bulky clothing
- Customers attempting to distract or split staff
- Establish verbal code phrases to alert coworkers of potential threats.
- Maintain secure, well-lit parking areas with visible cameras.
Collective Response and Call to Action
The Numismatic Crime Information Center urges coin dealers, show organizers, and collectors to remain vigilant, share intelligence, and report suspicious activity immediately. The numismatic community is encouraged to participate in crime-tracking networks, law-enforcement partnership programs, and security training workshops.
“The numismatic industry thrives on trust and integrity,” said Davis. “By strengthening security practices and working together, we can protect businesses, collectors, and the historic artifacts that are so central to our hobby and trade.” Dealers and collectors are urged to stay abreast of current numismatic crime trends by signing up for crime alerts disseminated by the Numismatic Crime Information Center.
The Numismatic Crime Information Center (NCIC) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation whose mission is to serve as a national and international resource for collectors, dealers and law enforcement in the education, prevention and investigation of crimes involving coins, paper money, tokens, medals, and related numismatic items. NCIC provides these resources free to law enforcement, collectors, dealers, and the public. NCIC is supported solely by donations from the numismatic community.
Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 14080 Arlington, TX 76094 or at www.numismaticcrimes.org.
For Further Information:
Numismatic Crime Information Center/Doug Davis]
Phone: 817-723-7231
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