Just Want Everyones Opinion *updated*

It will come down to which side has to prove how the 10 coins left the mint. Can the government prove they were stolen or can the Langbords prove they were purchased through the clerks window at the mint.

I don't think either can prove what they need to. The government can make this take forever in the courts filing appeals.

The 1933 double eagles were technically never issued as legal tender. Now while it is possible that someone came to the cashier's window to buy or exchange for the coins during the 3 or so weeks between when they were minted, on or around March 15, to April 5 when Franklin issued the ban on private possession of gold, Mint records do not indicate that any such transactions took place. Yes, it is certainly possible that an exchange took place but was not recorded however, Mint records from the period evidently show in great detail many such exchanges with other coins having taken place.

Also, since they are considered to be stolen property of the U.S. Mint, I doubt any statute of limitations would apply.

Regardless of whether you believe they are stolen property or not, you have two significant issues to deal with:

1. I believe 9 coins were previously confiscated by the secret service in the 1940's from private hands and melted during the 1950's. If I recall correctly, the only thing these people received in exchange was a receipt indicating they were confiscated but no monetary compensation. If these 10 coins are legitimized, how do you explain/make restitution to the heirs of the people who had their coins confiscated some 60 years ago.

2. After the 2002 auction, the U.S. government declared that this auctioned coin will be the only legitimate/legal tender 1933 double eagle that will ever exist should additional specimens turn up at a later date. The government should not go back on this promise.

I voted Govt. keep them......but I agree with the "amicable settlement" thing........and most importantly the "museum" idea.

Hehe...the sneak in me likes this option, although I'm too ethical.
Hold a big auction in a place like Dubai, take that money and hide out in Zug, Switzerland lol. Problem solved.

Hi there. I am not sure if it is kosher to post outright links to the PCGS message board or not. I will not do so as I don't want to be reprimanded.

If you are interested in the legal case, go to -=> pcgs website -=> message boards -=> US coins -=> search-=> and enter "Langbord". 'Langbord' is the name of the family involved with the lawsuit against the government. There is a user by the name of Sanction II who posts detailed updates of the legal proceedings. You do not have to be a registered member to do so.

As with all legal cases involving millions of dollars, it is quite detailed. I have not read all of the reports, but I pay attention and am interested as an 'armchair lawyer'.

Many of the posts I've seen on this board have shown a lack of knowledge on the case. The initial poll itself is poorly worded. The most thorough research I have seen about the case have been posted by the user named on the above mentioned message board.

-wheatiefan