PR: ANA Rewards Dealer for His Role in Numismatic Theft Convictions

American Numismatic Association

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 7, 2003
CONTACT: Stephen Bobbitt
Telephone: 719-632-2646 ext. 113
E-mail:


ANA Rewards Dealer for
His Role in Numismatic Theft Convictions


John T. Abbott has been honored by the American Numismatic
Association (ANA) Board of Governors for his assistance leading to the
convictions of two people involved in the theft of numismatic material.

A coin dealer from Birmingham, Michigan, Abbott also was cited for
his efforts in stopping the potential loss of nearly $50,000 in gold
bullion.

As part of the ANA Reward Program, established to help step up the
apprehension and prosecution of thieves who steal numismatic property
from Association members, the Board of Governors approved giving Abbott
$1,000. Abbott generously donated the reward money, along with additional
funds, to further ANA educational programs.

"Depending on the value of the property stolen and the severity of
the crime, the ANA Reward Program gives a cash reward of up to $5,000 to
anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of
those involved in numismatic-related crimes," says ANA Executive Director
Christopher Cipoletti. "The ANA is proud to honor members like John
Abbott for their efforts in addressing numismatic crimes."

In March 2000, Abbott was able to return coins stolen from another
Michigan coin dealer after the perpetrator sold the coins to Abbott, then
attempted to break into the Michigan dealer's store and steal the same
material. The robber was sentenced to a prison term of 5-25 years.

Later that same year, Abbott assisted in the arrest and ultimately
the conviction of a man for bank fraud, but not before Abbott and another
dealer lost more than $230,000. The perpetrator was buying gold coins
knowing he had insufficient funds in his bank account.

The third incident occurred in 1997, when Abbott received an order
for more than $22,000 in gold bullion from a Tallahassee, Florida, bank
official. After Abbott received the check, he contacted the bank for
verification and was told the check had been stolen. Abbott worked with
the FBI and Florida law enforcement officials in the apprehension of the
perpetrator, and advised other coin and bullion dealers of the scam.

For more information about the ANA Reward Fund, contact ANA
Executive Director Christopher Cipoletti at 818 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado
Springs, CO 80903-3279; phone 719-632-2646; fax 719-634-4085; or e-mail
.