"Were there security cameras at the Coinfest site? If there were are the tapes being checked to see who might have been "hanging around" the parking area and bourse hall watching Julian or his car? Who leaves the parking area just after Julian?" I doubt the the thieves were hanging around his car. The car was bugged so they could be miles away just waiting for him to start his trek home.
Where were the coins stored? Surely they weren't in plain view? Were there items in the vehicle that would allude to the fact that valuables might be present (coin magazines, books, etc)?
Could this not be a case of being at the wrong place at the wrong time?
1) IF you were followed- the car must have left a very short while after you 2) where ever you stopped (I dont believe details were given) somebody knew exactly when to attack and probably knew what to expect (another +1 for the you were followed theory") 3) based on the +1 of being followed, the hilton is almost guaranteed to have video footage of all cars going in and out-which means that if you car was followed, they would have had to leave soon afterwards in order to strike at the perfect time.
I definetly would say try the cams... it might be the best shot this second to nail the perps.
Julian, with the reward reaching such a level I think that all News stations within at least a hundred mile radius should be contacted with a news release from you. You can never tell which news station will pick it up, so contact the editors of as many as possible in the area. Plus with such a large reward being offered and it being on local news somebody that knows something may come forward.
Our prayers are with you and we are thankful you are intact physically
<< <i>Another reason perhaps not to post who is going to CoinFest or any other coin show on the forum? >>
I dont think ANYONE on the forum would do this.Only MHO but I dont think that the thieves used a tracking device either.How would they know his car before the theft??IMHO the slimeballs were at the show...watched who had a large amount of gold coins and watched as he loaded the car when he left.Then followed the car figuring he wouldnt be driving cross country and if he was alone waiting for a chance once the car stopped.I guess it was fortunate in a way that he left the car with the coins inside.If he immediately began to unload them these creeps would have stopped at nothing to steal his property. Like most posters I am shocked and sickened by this event. >>
I agree and the thieves probably seen Maryland plates and figured he would have to stop. So they may have followed him into NJ. Just a thought. Again my prayers are with him.
I will make an effort to become a customer of every one of those dealers offering a reward - those I don't do business with already, I mean.
Salute the automobile: The greatest anti-pollution device in human history! (Just think of city streets clogged with a hundred thousand horses each generating 15 lbs of manure every day...)
The outpouring of support is reminiscent of the finale of It's a Wonderful Life. Very moving. And, I suspect will be very helpful in nabbing the perps.
If I remember Julian received a award as per this board stating back a few months ago..
Julian, I would suggest to rekindle any collector that was recently talking to you or interested in a few rare coins you had shown or talked about..
This to me seems more as a heist instead of a smash and grab... I always try to share some of my experience in law enforcement and hope you can maybe just take a minute and focus on what I am saying.
<< <i>Another reason perhaps not to post who is going to CoinFest or any other coin show on the forum? >>
I dont think ANYONE on the forum would do this.Only MHO but I dont think that the thieves used a tracking device either.How would they know his car before the theft??IMHO the slimeballs were at the show...watched who had a large amount of gold coins and watched as he loaded the car when he left.Then followed the car figuring he wouldnt be driving cross country and if he was alone waiting for a chance once the car stopped.I guess it was fortunate in a way that he left the car with the coins inside.If he immediately began to unload them these creeps would have stopped at nothing to steal his property. Like most posters I am shocked and sickened by this event. >>
I agree and the thieves probably seen Maryland plates and figured he would have to stop. So they may have followed him into NJ. Just a thought. Again my prayers are with him. >>
Well, I have to agree nobody who was a member of the forum would do such a thing - but one must remember this is a public forum anybody can see any messages posted.
I agree this should be told to the local news station this is a HUGE reward for the belongings. Good luck to you Julian and like I stated before I'll keep my eyes and ears open.
1. With such a large reward, perhaps it can become instead a retainer for a gifted Private Investigator. No disrespect to the Police, but they usually are of very limited help in these kind of crimes. The Coin Community would be setting a precedence by letting the professional criminals know that we will go after them with combined resources.
2. I would not suggest creating any Public press release, via Newspapers or Radio. The maggots will go underground for a while, and relocate the goods. It's better to have a network of people in the business keeping an eye out for the coins, that way the scum buckets can be captured.
And lastly, the Collection is huge and very impressive, one that took many decades to build. It saddens many of us to think you will become discouraged and give up this great Hobby. I hope that doesn't happen. I have never experienced your kind of grief and wished I had something soothing to tell you. I as others will pray that all your items are returned to you safely.
This should be a matter for the FBI as an interstate crime of grand theft. They have the capability and the muscle to get at a lot of surveillance video at the hotels, venues, local businesses, freeways, anything along the route, perhaps even the point of the theft. Julian's vehicle (and those following some unspecified distance away) was undoubtedly videorecorded many, many times over the weekend and enroute home. As long as they get their attention on this quickly, before retention periods are passed, there is a lot more of a chance of identifying the perpetrators and their accomplices rather than relying on identifying the pieces as they trickle into the market.
Unfortunately this is a property damage crime with low priority for law enforcement. All the more reason to welcome the efforts of those who have come forward to create some publicity by offering a large reward. That said, perhaps some of that money could be funneled to a private investigator.
The nice thing about that is that is exactly the coin that will get them busted. Even if you sit on that FOREVER you will never be able to sell it. Its like that PF70DCAM 1960's Washinton quater that was stolen by a postal worker and ended up on teletrade.
The nice thing about that is that is exactly the coin that will get them busted. Even if you sit on that FOREVER you will never be able to sell it. Its like that PF70DCAM 1960's Washinton quater that was stolen by a postal worker and ended up on teletrade. >>
Not exactly, but the premise is correct. The half can be cracked out of the holder and still get them busted. That quarter would not likely have gotten any notice once cracked out. There are a number of very high profile pieces in this group that, holdered or not, are serious hot potatoes.
This news leaves me feeling ill. I'm glad that you weren't physically hurt, Julian. So long as they didn't grab your chair, I trust that you'll be back on the bourse floor in short order.
I cannot express properly the amount of appreciation that I feel.
Many, Many Thanx to all of you for your concern, thoughts, and pledges.
Julian
PNG member, numismatic dealer since 1965. Operates a retail store, also has exhibited at over 1000 shows. I firmly believe in numismatics as the world's greatest hobby, but recognize that this is a luxury and without collectors, we can all spend/melt our collections/inventories.
John - Please add us to the reward fund for $1,000. Both Phil and I know Julian well and consider him one of the premier individuals in the field of numismatics. He and his wife are in our thoughts and prayers. Ray Hinkelman Phil Hinkelman Eye Appealing Coins www.eyeappealingcoins.com
Was the entire, or most of the inventory on your webpage taken? If so, I will print it off and take it in to a couple coin shops in town. The chance is remote they'd come here, but it can't hurt.
I was actually at Coinfest on Sunday...had a great time. This is just so unfortunate.
Usually, you get hit in the parking lot...which in this case was underground beneath the hotel with some blind spots and a little dicey. But this is more like Mission Impossible!
This pattern 1879 silver dollar and off-center 1929 5 Reichsmark silver coin are two from the over 1,000 coins stolen from PNG member-dealer Julian M. Leidman
From Coin News:
(Fallbrook, California) – The Professional Numismatists Guild and six individual dealers are offering a combined total of $22,000 cash reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the thief or thieves who stole rare coins from long-time PNG member-dealer Julian M. Leidman of Silver Spring, Maryland.
The theft occurred on Sunday, October 11, 2009, as Leidman was returning from a coin show in Connecticut. His entire inventory was stolen when his minivan was broken into during a stop in Pine Brook, New Jersey.
A complete list of stolen items is not available, but Leidman says there were over 1,000 coins including about 300 certified, encapsulated items as well as currency ranging from Colonial era to small size notes.
"There were common gold coins, bullion items and several significant coins." he explained.
"Among the scarce coins are 1920-S, 1921, 1925-S, 1927-S and 1932 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles, and several gorgeous, early half dollars including 1806, 1807, 1826 and some other late dates. Among the foreign coins is an off-center 1929-J German 5 Reichsmark silver coin (KM56)," Leidman said.
Other coins taken in the theft include 1873 proof pattern silver Trade dollar (J-1276), graded NGC PF65; 1879 proof silver dollar (J-1617), NGC PF65; and an 1892-O proof Morgan dollar described as very choice.
"I am asking people to contact me if they are offered anything that does not ‘look correct.’ There are just too many coins to list."
Two bags of clothing and Leidman’s laptop computer also were taken when the thief or thieves smashed a passenger window to remove three heavy bags of coins and paper money from his minivan.
PNG is offering a $2,500 reward; PNG member-dealers James Long of J.E.L. Coins in Baltimore, Maryland and Bob Higgins of Certified Assets Management in Wilmington, Delaware are each offering $1,000; PNG member-dealer Wayne Herndon of Wayne Herndon Rare Coins in Chantilly, Virginia has pledged $2,500; Laura Sperber of Legend Numismatics in Lincroft, New Jersey and PNG member-dealer Jonathan Lerner of Scarsdale Coin in Scarsdale, New York are offering a combined $5,000; and PNG member-dealer, William Dominick of Westwood Rare Coin Gallery in Tappan, New York is offering $10,000 to the reward fund for an aggregate total of $22,000.
"The PNG has a long history of offering rewards to help catch thieves of numismatic property. Any theft of coins or bank notes affects the entire hobby and profession in one or another. We must be vigilant in our security to prevent theft, but we must also come together to assist in the apprehension of criminals," said Robert Brueggeman, PNG Executive Director.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the investigating police officer for this case, Detective Christopher M. Keezer, of the Montville, Township, New Jersey Police Department at (973) 257-4112 or by e-mail at CKeezeer@MontvilleNJ.org.
Julian M. Leidman can be contacted at (301) 585-8467 or by e-mail at Julian@JulianCoin.com, and PNG Executive Director Brueggeman can be reached at (760) 728-1300 or by e-mail at info@PNGdealers.com.
<< <i>This should be a matter for the FBI as an interstate crime of grand theft. >>
I think so, too. These weren't school kids roll-searching for wheat cents. From all appearances, it was a sophisticated crime, and it crossed state lines.
<< <i>Unfortunately this is a property damage crime with low priority for law enforcement. >>
This crime places a dark cloud on these coin shows as markets in which dealers can feel safe bringing their expensive inventory to. The authorities go to sleep on this one (...in effect, let these criminals get away with this), and that's going to be bad for business, all the way around, and shake public confidence. I know I wouldn't be too crazy about going to these silly things with any kind of expensive inventory if I knew this was the kind of redress I'd get from the authorities were I a victim...
Please add $1,000 to the fund from us here at the Reeded Edge. We only hope that someone can turn some information up that helps recover the coins. Our best goes out to Julian. He is one of the good guys in this business.
Robbie Jenkins Rob Lehmann The Reeded Edge, Inc.
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." -- Aristotle
For a large selection of U.S. Coins & Currency, visit The Reeded Edge's online webstore at the link below.
My fear is that the heat will cause the perp to dispose of these coins permanently. Since he cant sell them and he wouldnt want to get caught with them. Some of these coins are national treasures and its scary to think they could be lost forever.
I didn't realize that your laptop was stolen as well. There may be ways to trace it if it is connected to the internet. I would look into that as well, because it could lead you to the culprits.
I'm virtually speechless. We are all of one opinion about how bad we feel. I hope it all works out for you - the many good people here will keep a sharp lookout for your belongings.
I don't know you Mr. Leidman, but I took the liberty of copying the list, and hit a couple of B&M's. Probably a long shot, seeing the crime took place in Jersey, and I live in SECT. Good luck in recovering your precious coins, scott
<< <i>Unfortunately this is a property damage crime with low priority for law enforcement. All the more reason to welcome the efforts of those who have come forward to create some publicity by offering a large reward. That said, perhaps some of that money could be funneled to a private investigator. >>
The money size of this theft means this will not be a low priority ....
Comments
<< <i>please tell me they were insured.
I hope they were too, but I don't know if an insurance company covers coins kept in an unattended vehicle... I know my policy sure doesn't.
Michael Kittle Rare Coins --- 1908-S Indian Head Cent Grading Set --- No. 1 1909 Mint Set --- Kittlecoins on Facebook --- Long Beach Table 448
Where were the coins stored? Surely they weren't in plain view? Were there items in the vehicle that would allude to the fact that valuables might be present (coin magazines, books, etc)?
Could this not be a case of being at the wrong place at the wrong time?
To support LordM's European Trip, click here!
1) IF you were followed- the car must have left a very short while after you
2) where ever you stopped (I dont believe details were given) somebody knew exactly when to attack and probably knew what to expect (another +1 for the
you were followed theory")
3) based on the +1 of being followed, the hilton is almost guaranteed to have video footage of all cars going in and out-which means that if you car was followed, they would have had to leave soon afterwards in order to strike at the perfect time.
I definetly would say try the cams... it might be the best shot this second to nail the perps.
-joe
with the reward reaching such a level I think that all News stations within at least a hundred mile radius should be contacted with a news release from you. You can never tell which news station will pick it up, so contact the editors of as many as possible in the area.
Plus with such a large reward being offered and it being on local news somebody that knows something may come forward.
Our prayers are with you and we are thankful you are intact physically
Stew
Successful Trades: Swampboy,
<< <i>
<< <i>Another reason perhaps not to post who is going to CoinFest or any other coin show on the forum? >>
I dont think ANYONE on the forum would do this.Only MHO but I dont think that the thieves used a tracking device either.How would they know his car before the theft??IMHO the slimeballs were at the show...watched who had a large amount of gold coins and watched as he loaded the car when he left.Then followed the car figuring he wouldnt be driving cross country and if he was alone waiting for a chance once the car stopped.I guess it was fortunate in a way that he left the car with the coins inside.If he immediately began to unload them these creeps would have stopped at nothing to steal his property.
Like most posters I am shocked and sickened by this event. >>
I agree and the thieves probably seen Maryland plates and figured he would have to stop. So they may have followed him into NJ. Just a thought. Again my prayers are with him.
Successful Trades: Swampboy,
Leo
The more qualities observed in a coin, the more desirable that coin becomes!
My Jefferson Nickel Collection
(Just think of city streets clogged with a hundred thousand horses each generating 15 lbs of manure every day...)
Julian, I would suggest to rekindle any collector that was recently talking to you or interested in a few rare coins you had shown or talked about..
This to me seems more as a heist instead of a smash and grab... I always try to share some of my experience in law enforcement and hope you can maybe just take a minute and focus on what I am saying.
John...
I'll keep my eyes and ears open, Julian. Glad to hear you are OK....this is so darn scary.
Dave
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>Another reason perhaps not to post who is going to CoinFest or any other coin show on the forum? >>
I dont think ANYONE on the forum would do this.Only MHO but I dont think that the thieves used a tracking device either.How would they know his car before the theft??IMHO the slimeballs were at the show...watched who had a large amount of gold coins and watched as he loaded the car when he left.Then followed the car figuring he wouldnt be driving cross country and if he was alone waiting for a chance once the car stopped.I guess it was fortunate in a way that he left the car with the coins inside.If he immediately began to unload them these creeps would have stopped at nothing to steal his property.
Like most posters I am shocked and sickened by this event. >>
I agree and the thieves probably seen Maryland plates and figured he would have to stop. So they may have followed him into NJ. Just a thought. Again my prayers are with him. >>
Well, I have to agree nobody who was a member of the forum would do such a thing - but one must remember this is a public forum anybody can see any messages posted.
I agree this should be told to the local news station this is a HUGE reward for the belongings. Good luck to you Julian and like I stated before I'll keep my eyes and ears open.
1. With such a large reward, perhaps it can become instead a retainer for a gifted Private Investigator. No disrespect to the Police, but they usually are of very limited help in these kind of crimes. The Coin Community would be setting a precedence by letting the professional criminals know that we will go after them with combined resources.
2. I would not suggest creating any Public press release, via Newspapers or Radio. The maggots will go underground for a while, and relocate the goods. It's better to have a network of people in the business keeping an eye out for the coins, that way the scum buckets can be captured.
And lastly, the Collection is huge and very impressive, one that took many decades to build. It saddens many of us to think you will become discouraged and give up this great Hobby. I hope that doesn't happen. I have never experienced your kind of grief and wished I had something soothing to tell you. I as others will pray that all your items are returned to you safely.
NSDR - Life Member
SSDC - Life Member
ANA - Pay As I Go Member
<< <i>
1807 Half Dollar PCGS MS 65
>>
Omg! They got that?! Draped or capped?
<< <i>
<< <i>
1807 Half Dollar PCGS MS 65
>>
Omg! They got that?! Draped or capped? >>
The nice thing about that is that is exactly the coin that will get them busted. Even if you sit on that FOREVER you will never be able to sell it. Its like that PF70DCAM 1960's Washinton quater that was stolen by a postal worker and ended up on teletrade.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
1807 Half Dollar PCGS MS 65
>>
Omg! They got that?! Draped or capped? >>
The nice thing about that is that is exactly the coin that will get them busted. Even if you sit on that FOREVER you will never be able to sell it. Its like that PF70DCAM 1960's Washinton quater that was stolen by a postal worker and ended up on teletrade. >>
Not exactly, but the premise is correct. The half can be cracked out of the holder and still get them busted. That quarter would not likely have gotten any notice once cracked out. There are a number of very high profile pieces in this group that, holdered or not, are serious hot potatoes.
NSDR - Life Member
SSDC - Life Member
ANA - Pay As I Go Member
Buying top quality Seated Dimes in Gem BU and Proof.
Buying great coins - monster eye appeal only.
Many, Many Thanx to all of you for your concern, thoughts, and pledges.
Julian
I firmly believe in numismatics as the world's greatest hobby, but recognize that this is a luxury and without collectors, we can all spend/melt our collections/inventories.
eBaystore
He is one of the good guys.
Anyone who robs a coin dealer should be shot and made into dog food,
Larry
I will add $1000 to the fund !
POB 854
Temecula CA 92593
310-541-7222 office
310-710-2869 cell
www.LSRarecoins.com
Larry@LSRarecoins.com
PCGS Las Vegas June 24-26
Baltimore July 14-17
Chicago August 11-15
Didn't link the world coin or currency.
Sure would help if you had images.
What insurance do you have to cover yourself?
Ray Hinkelman
Phil Hinkelman
Eye Appealing Coins
www.eyeappealingcoins.com
I was actually at Coinfest on Sunday...had a great time. This is just so unfortunate.
Usually, you get hit in the parking lot...which in this case was underground beneath the hotel with some blind spots and a little dicey. But this is more like Mission Impossible!
Puro's Coins and Jewelry
Rutland, VT
(802)773-3883
Link to my website www.vtcoins.com
Link to my eBay auctions
Buy, sell and trade all coins, US paper money, jewelry, diamonds and anything made of gold, silver or platinum.
You're in my prayers.
This pattern 1879 silver dollar and off-center 1929 5 Reichsmark silver coin are
two from the over 1,000 coins stolen from PNG member-dealer Julian M. Leidman
From Coin News:
(Fallbrook, California) – The Professional Numismatists Guild and six individual dealers are offering a combined total of $22,000 cash reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the thief or thieves who stole rare coins from long-time PNG member-dealer Julian M. Leidman of Silver Spring, Maryland.
The theft occurred on Sunday, October 11, 2009, as Leidman was returning from a coin show in Connecticut. His entire inventory was stolen when his minivan was broken into during a stop in Pine Brook, New Jersey.
A complete list of stolen items is not available, but Leidman says there were over 1,000 coins including about 300 certified, encapsulated items as well as currency ranging from Colonial era to small size notes.
"There were common gold coins, bullion items and several significant coins." he explained.
"Among the scarce coins are 1920-S, 1921, 1925-S, 1927-S and 1932 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles, and several gorgeous, early half dollars including 1806, 1807, 1826 and some other late dates. Among the foreign coins is an off-center 1929-J German 5 Reichsmark silver coin (KM56)," Leidman said.
Other coins taken in the theft include 1873 proof pattern silver Trade dollar (J-1276), graded NGC PF65; 1879 proof silver dollar (J-1617), NGC PF65; and an 1892-O proof Morgan dollar described as very choice.
"I am asking people to contact me if they are offered anything that does not ‘look correct.’ There are just too many coins to list."
Two bags of clothing and Leidman’s laptop computer also were taken when the thief or thieves smashed a passenger window to remove three heavy bags of coins and paper money from his minivan.
PNG is offering a $2,500 reward; PNG member-dealers James Long of J.E.L. Coins in Baltimore, Maryland and Bob Higgins of Certified Assets Management in Wilmington, Delaware are each offering $1,000; PNG member-dealer Wayne Herndon of Wayne Herndon Rare Coins in Chantilly, Virginia has pledged $2,500; Laura Sperber of Legend Numismatics in Lincroft, New Jersey and PNG member-dealer Jonathan Lerner of Scarsdale Coin in Scarsdale, New York are offering a combined $5,000; and PNG member-dealer, William Dominick of Westwood Rare Coin Gallery in Tappan, New York is offering $10,000 to the reward fund for an aggregate total of $22,000.
"The PNG has a long history of offering rewards to help catch thieves of numismatic property. Any theft of coins or bank notes affects the entire hobby and profession in one or another. We must be vigilant in our security to prevent theft, but we must also come together to assist in the apprehension of criminals," said Robert Brueggeman, PNG Executive Director.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the investigating police officer for this case, Detective Christopher M. Keezer, of the Montville, Township, New Jersey Police Department at (973) 257-4112 or by e-mail at CKeezeer@MontvilleNJ.org.
Julian M. Leidman can be contacted at (301) 585-8467 or by e-mail at Julian@JulianCoin.com, and PNG Executive Director Brueggeman can be reached at (760) 728-1300 or by e-mail at info@PNGdealers.com.
CoinNews
<< <i>This should be a matter for the FBI as an interstate crime of grand theft. >>
I think so, too. These weren't school kids roll-searching for wheat cents. From all appearances, it was a sophisticated crime, and it crossed state lines.
<< <i>Unfortunately this is a property damage crime with low priority for law enforcement. >>
This crime places a dark cloud on these coin shows as markets in which dealers can feel safe bringing their expensive inventory to. The authorities go to sleep on this one (...in effect, let these criminals get away with this), and that's going to be bad for business, all the way around, and shake public confidence. I know I wouldn't be too crazy about going to these silly things with any kind of expensive inventory if I knew this was the kind of redress I'd get from the authorities were I a victim...
I'm also super-impressed with the way all of you have come together and raised an award like this.
I'm glad to hear you where not harmed!
Julian did this happen during a quick rest stop between CT and MD
Hi There Please put Albanese Rare Coins Inc. Dave @ Dean Albanese down for $1,000 reward
Very Best, Dave Albanese Coinace@aol.com
I just need your first/last name with amount
email me at
thecoinfest@yahoo.com
I will add them as I receive them... many thanks
<< <i>Ditto what the others said....This is a classy thing to do. >>
Absolutely
Robbie Jenkins
Rob Lehmann
The Reeded Edge, Inc.
For a large selection of U.S. Coins & Currency, visit The Reeded Edge's online webstore at the link below.
The Reeded Edge
These guys are a menace to every one on these boards and everyone that buys and sells coins....1 coin or thousands of them.
Ike Specialist
Finest Toned Ike I've Ever Seen, been looking since 1986
"Keep your malarkey filter in good operating order" -Walter Breen
I imagine they'll have a hard time fencing sure scarce material.
Obscurum per obscurius
I didn't realize that your laptop was stolen as well. There may be ways to trace it if it is connected to the internet. I would look into that as well, because it could lead you to the culprits.
-Paul
I'm virtually speechless. We are all of one opinion about how bad we feel. I hope it all works out for you - the many good people here will keep a sharp lookout for your belongings.
hit a couple of B&M's. Probably a long shot, seeing the crime took place in Jersey, and I live in SECT.
Good luck in recovering your precious coins,
scott
<< <i>Unfortunately this is a property damage crime with low priority for law enforcement. All the more reason to welcome the efforts of those who have come forward to create some publicity by offering a large reward. That said, perhaps some of that money could be funneled to a private investigator. >>
The money size of this theft means this will not be a low priority ....
My icon IS my coin. It is a gem 1949 FBL Franklin.