On November 8, 2025, two individuals entered the Roman Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland, and stole dozens of gold coins after overpowering a security guard. The suspects had purchased tickets earlier that day and waited until the museum was empty of other visitors. They then assaulted and restrained the 64‑year‑old guard before smashing a display case and taking the coins. The perpetrators are still at large. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/gold-coins-stolen-roman-museum-switzerland-police/ https://www.scmp.com/news/world/eur...after-gold-heist-museum-echoes-louvre-robbery
There are two possibilities here - first, the thieves will simply melt down the coins, and sell the gold as bullion - safest way from the point of view of being caught - or sell to an unscrupulous dealer for sale to equally unscrupulous or knowing collectors. My bet is on the latter of these two possibilities, and the disposition of the coins was arranged well before the heist. The museum couldn't use unbreakable glass?
The museum couldn't have used more security muscle? What the devil is wrong with them? Priceless antiquities and they leave the collection in the charge of a 64 year old security guard? The blame for this mishap falls upon the institution itself. No camera footage? How did the miscreants make their 'getaway'?
How sad. I hope the latter is true @Blake Davis and one day they will resurface, the perpetrators are a stain in the Gene pool. They need therapy , sympathy, education and to be imprisoned for the rest of their lives. No one in Switzerland is starving. These aren't homeless people. A cup of coffee in Lucerne costs $7.50. I speak from real life experience.
For that reason I'd never venture to Lucerne......for that reason I never venture into Starbucks. (devil)
Starbucks is too expensive unless it's a trip to the restroom. I saw this also. Great security. Inside job??
If these museums cared one iota for the heritage they are supposedly preserving, this sort of thing would never happen. It's shameful.
Once again a museum is robbed where the cappuciano maker is worth more than the security system. Don't blame the the security guard. the robbers may have had guns or a ball bat. More than likely the coins were melted. I've said for years, the museums should have a few, (4-5), gold coins and the rest are sold off to collectors.
Having been to Lucerne, I will say it is an incredibly expensive city... but it is absolutely beautiful. Lucerne and Lausanne are not the same place though, lol
Ancient Roman coins, especially high-end gold coins, are uniquely identifiable because they are handmade and dies for the same type differ significantly. If they find their way into any public market, they’ll be recognized. Black market buyers (Switzerland has been known to have these) are interested mostly in newly found ancients … those won’t have a recognizable provenance. If there is a significant weight of gold in the haul, good chance the coins will be melted. Offering them back for a ransom payment is another. Mike
According to this news, which publish the stolen gold coins from the museum in Lausanne under "Entertainment", they are making an inventory because the museum is trying to find out the number and value of the gold coins stolen, as well as finding out if something else was stolen!!! This means they really don't know what they have. Bizarre!!! After the perpetrators left, the security guard was able to call the police. Here is the article (in German): https://www.puls24.at/news/entertainment/goldmuenzen-aus-museum-in-lausanne-gestohlen/451080
