There was a case a few years ago where a guy found some gold coins that had never been issued - the design itself had never been issued. They were a new design that were being made when FDR declared it illegal to own gold.
He had to give his 20 or so $10 gold coins back to the gov’t for face value. People claim it was because the coins should have been returned to the gov’t in the thirties - but I’m not sure - I think it was more that they were stolen.
BUT - wouldn’t the statute of limitations for the theft be over by then? Unless the gov’t could argue that the crime of “receiving stolen property” had just occurred.
They were 1933 $20 St Gaudens, the standard issue $20, but not “authorized” allegedly. The family that found them in an uncle (?)s estate sent ALL of them to the treasury to ask if they were real. My opinion is that they were to stupid to deserve them, but the government shouldn’t get to hold on to them either, they should be sold.
They fought it in court until 2011 or 12.
That charge requires knowledge that it was stolen and intent, doesn't it? Lawyer FReeper, please weigh in.