The Numismatic Crime Information Center is one of the most comprehensive and important sites for coin shop dealers, hobbyists and the public at large.
It was founded by Doug Davis, whom I have admired for years and from whom I receive email updates about numismatic theft. His personal story, which you can read by clicking here, showcases his integrity, empathy and police background.
Here’s an excerpt:
In 1985 Doug was the lead investigator in the murder of Robert Rosberg and a close friend, who operated. a coin shop in Pantego, TX. Rosberg was flex cuffed to a table in the rear of his shop and shot three times in the head execution style. The suspects stole over a quarter of a million dollars in coins and currency. For two years, Doug traveled across the country tracking leads, which resulted in the arrest of three suspects who were later convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Based upon the investigation, the ringleader, Forrest Leon Ethington, was later charged with the killing of Dallas coin dealer Dewayne Frost and responsible for eight-coin shop robberies in southern California.
Davis soon realized that law enforcement lacked the necessary skills and resources to cover numismatic crimes. He has helped that effort and continues to do so with regular alerts.
Here is a recent report, which I also received via email:
“A dealer traveling home from a coin show in Alexandria, MN stopped to eat and while inside an unknown suspect/suspects entered the victim’s vehicle by punching the driver’s side door lock. The suspect/suspects removed several tubs of coins. Investigators are currently reviewing video for additional information.”
Another highlight is the news tab. You can find an archive of educational and current incidents in addition to news about counterfeits and other threats to the hobby.
My numismatic book, Coin News Updated: The Essential Guide to Online Bidding, covers numismatic crimes in online auctions, concerning no-pay bidders who defraud dealers with fraudulent credit cards, gold scams and other deceptions.
Brad Lisembee, owner of Capital Coin Auctions, are among sellers interviewed in that chapter. “Fraud — particularly credit card fraud as well as counterfeit coins — has gotten noticeably worse in recent years, as more people realize there is a lot of interest in coins as well as a lot of money changing hands.”
Those facts–the value and investment of coins–is why we need Doug Davis and the Numismatic Crime Information Center. You can make a donation to the NCIC by clicking here.
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You can find more information about types, varieties, errors, grading, bidding and buying in Coin News Updated: The Essential Guide to Online Bidding. Please consider buying or gifting the work for a friend, as it underwrites this hobbyist blog. Thank you.