>>So, does the State of CA claim it, or the thief’s heirs? <<
>>Prove It<<
I am pretty sure the thieve’s heirs would be SOL.
California, OTOH, may unilaterally decide to use Eminent Domain (or something similar).
If I was this couple I would get the heck out of Cali TONIGHT to someplace like Texas that respects property rights. Even then I would plan on escaping to a country that won’t tax or seize the coins (Monte Carlo?) since California could reach them in Texas via subpoena.
With millions of dollars at stake, it isn’t worth the risk of hanging around while California puts dozens of lawyers on the job of finding a way to steal it.