New import restrictions on Egyptian coins for US collectors

Let's not forget about Libya as well....
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-15517886

 

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You got that right!

 

Of course there's more to it. Archaeologists that support the MOU get easier access to excavation permits in these source countries. Excavations = $ for the archaeogists. Perhaps the U.S. also gets favors in the form of military bases etc. The real loosers in all of this are amateur scholars/collectors and U.S. taxpayers. U.S. taxpayers will have to pay the bill for enforcing this MoU (hiring staff, training staff etc.), while Egypt spends nothing and reaps the benefits.

 

Ok, I've been slammed on this site more than a couple of times for where I stand politicaly.
And this is not meant as a political gesture.
But this whole thing stinks of political correctness.
So yes your assumptions that the government is benifiting once again at the cost of the citizens is correct.
It just irritates the hell out of me when people just roll over & let stuff happen. Seems we have little to no voice when it comes to government control.
I hope I have enough points for this rant, I think I'm clean at the moment.
I surely didn't intend to leave a post on this thread but it seems more than a few of you agree that it stinks.

 

Molon labe.

 

'Political Correctness' is often associated with progressives/liberals, but yet many MOU bills are introduced by conservative senators. I think Carausius' explanation is correct.

 

It could get worse. Consider the "Terrorism Act and Antiquity Revenue Prevention Act of 2016" introduced by a Republican senator and co-sponsored by six Republican senators.

https://committeeforculturalpolicy....in-us-to-seize-and-forfeit-cultural-property/

Selling "cultural property" is one way to generate revenue. Some people in the US are afraid that revenue will be used to sponsor terrorism. They are willing to throw out the baby with the bathwater.

If you were a Syrian refugee, what would you take on your trek to the west?

If there is an uptick in Syrian coins on the market, and I'm not sure there is, I propose it is because refugees are bringing out something of value to help support their family while they go off into the unknown with no assurance it will turn out well if they are destitute.

Those who use "terrorism" as an excuse to shut down the trade in coins are either disingenuous or so fearful they have abandoned reason and likelihood.

 

Yes Carausius did.
I'm no doomsday weirdo or Dale Dribble either. But I've never met a politician I trusted or liked, no matter what party affiliate is. There is a scence of morales we people have to go by and kissing ones butt to further yourself is not acceptable.
Deep down thats what all politicians are doing kissing some other governments butt to further their career of fatten their bank account.
@Valentinian also brings up a matter of truth to this.

 

I think one thing we can all agree on is the stupidity of such bills, regardless of the hidden motives.

 

​

http://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Religion
http://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Church

It's relatively easy to start a religion and church in the US. Let's start a religion based on collecting ancient coins and then sit back and enjoy the legal protections and perks that come with our beliefs, such as freedom from interference with our worship (collecting ancient coins)

Let's see... we'll need a name for our religion. Suggestions?

 

The Numisnati.

 

They did the same thing with Chinese coins in 2009. It was enforced for about a month. Now, no one cares.

 

Church of the Divine Coin Deities?

I'll get you started with ideas for the application

Belief statement: We believe in forming a personal spiritual relationship with the Gods of our ancient ancestors through the collection of ancient coins depicting their images. By collecting these coins, we strengthen our spiritual connection to our ancient ancestors and channel their spiritual gifts.

Membership: Members must own at least 5 ancient/Medieval coins and express some connection to a deity or religious symbol depicted in at least one coin.

Rituals: Members meet in the Cointalk ancients forum to discuss their favorite deities on their ancient coins and their personal feeligs/spiritual feelings about collecting ancient coins.

Hierarchy: The Coin Patriarch is the head of our church. He/she is appointed by popular vote amongst the members. Current Patriarch is @TIF

Coin Lawgiver: Head ambulance chaser of the faith: @Sallent

Hello Tax exemption and protected status.

 

Sounds like a good start but last time I checked I was a woman

 

Forgive me Coin Matriarch for I have blasphemed.

 

The American Archaeological Institute writes the MOU's for the State Department. They are still trying to block public ownership of US Civil War artifacts on private property in States where battles were fought. This includes bullets of witch billions were fired over the years of the conflict.

At public hearings in the State Department in which the ACCG gives testimony, only 20 minutes is allocated to present evidence and argument. AAI is allowed unfettered time. The stack is loaded against us unless you are a large museum.

Look how long Greece has been trying to get the Elgin Marbles back from England. Exhibit A.

AAI argues that ordinary people are not competent enough to hold such items. Only trained archaeologists are allowed. If you as an archaeologist, and don't back their rules you will not be allowed to work in archaeology. They can make or break your
ability to work for the field. I have watched this and have and still am a member of ACCG since its founding. It's not a pretty picture for ALL numismatists and collectors of coins of the world. How about collecting stamps?

How about stamp collecting? To my knowlege there are no MOU's in the offing.

 

Please allow another ramble. There is an active MOU from China regarding coins over 100 years old from coming into the US. In the twenties "fantasies" were produced for western markets and were avidly collected.

The Chinese have been flooding American markets with counterfeit coins and slabs. In the early years of counterfeits they were laughable, not so anymore. Fortunately I don't collect what they are selling. It is still amazing to me why OUR government won't do a thing about it, yet we are getting hammered, no pun intended.

 

The Chineese counterfeiters are quite skilled or atleast have become that way.
I do have an example & the obverse is quite good its the reverse that has flaws. No photos I'm not that proud of it.