COIN SMUGGLING ATTEMPTS THWARTED IN EGYPT AND ABU DHABI

Today, the Antiquities Unite at Borg Al-Arab airport in Alexandria succeeded to abort two smuggling attempts of a large collection of authentic coins.

The authentic coins were packed in two parcels mixed with a collection of commemorative coins within the luggage of two Egyptians who are travelling to Gheda and Dammam in Saudi Arabia.

Mohamed Ibrahim minister of State for Antiquities said that the arrest of both criminals carried out in collaboration with the customs and Police of Borg Al-Arab airport.

He explains that the first parcel was filled with 1080 coins and the second has 106 coins. An archaeological committee lead by Hassan Rasmi head of the Antiquities Unites has inspected both confiscated boxes and finds out that only 134 of the 2266 coins are authentic and the others are only commemorative coins.

Rasmi pointed out that the coins are dated to the Graeco-Roman, Umayyad, Ottoman and Mohamed Ali eras. They are now at the ministry restoration labs for restoration and then put on display at the Islamic museum.

To read the complete article, see: MSA aborted two foiled smuggling attempts of authentic coins (english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/9/43/52146/Heritage/
Islamic/MSA-aborted-two-foiled-smuggling-attempts-of-authe.aspx)

Cops in Abu Dhabi have arrested three men caught with historical gold coins worth Dhs2.5 million.

The coins were once used as currency in ancient Islamic regimes in Arabia. The Arab suspects, aged between 28 and 29, were caught in the capital by CID officials. The coins were 23 and 24 carat gold.

Police said the men had been trying to find a buyer. It is not clear how the suspects acquired the coins but police said the men had been under surveillance since the force received information about their activities.

The men, including two truck drivers, are believed to have brought the coins in from a neighbouring country.

Menhali added that the UAE is committed to fighting illegal trading in antiquities and cultural property.

To read the complete article, see: Abu Dhabi police arrest men with ancient gold coins (www.7daysindubai.com/Abu-Dhabi-police-arrest-men-ancient-gold-coins
/story-16829498-detail/story.html)

Wayne Homren, Editor

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