US officials return ancient coins to Greece

Five ancient coins were returned to the Greek government Monday, August 4, the Archaeological News Network reports. The coins were part of a case against noted Rhode Island hand surgeon and coin aficionado Dr. Arnold-Peter Weiss, who was arrested January 2012 arrest during a coin auction at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel.

Greek Ambassador to the U.S. Christos Panagopoulos, left, is joined by Manhattan
District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr., center, and ICE Homeland Security Investigations
Deputy Agent in Charge Glenn Sorge, as he speaks during a repatriation ceremony
of ancient Greek coins [Credit: AP/Richard Drew]

Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr. and Greek officials held a ceremony marking the repatriation of coins dating to 500 B.C.. Ambassador Christos Panagopoulos noted:

"The coins being returned to us by the New York County district attorney are exquisite ancient artefacts that reflect Greece's culture, history and enduring strength. Back home, where they belong, they will be displayed — with the gratitude of the Greek people to the DA — for all to admire, our citizens and visitors to Greece alike."

The pieces include two types of ancient Greek currency, staters and a didracham, or two-drachma coin. All bear images of Gods and other mythological figures.



The five ancient Greek coins that were repatriated to Greece. They are, from left: Silver
stater of Dikaia, Thrace; silver stater of Locri Opunti; silver didrachm of Euboia;
silver stater of Thebes, Boeotia; and silver stater of Thebes, Boeotia
 [Credit: The New York County District Attorney's Office]

Weiss pleaded guilty to attempted criminal possession of stolen property. According to the criminal complaint, he was caught on tape telling a police informant that he knew the coins had been recently looted in Sicily. As part of Weiss’ plea bargain, he agreed to write an essay to raise awareness about unprovenanced coins and promote responsible collecting. those interested can find it here. Weiss was also was required to do 70 hours of community service and forfeited about 20 other coins, including the authentic pieces headed back to Greece. Two of the coins have been returned to a previous owner, and the rest are to be given to cultural and academic institutions, prosecutors said.