New Import Restrictions on Ancient Coins: What Collectors Need to Know

Since July 22, 2024, new import restrictions have been placed on ancient coins, particularly those from Carthaginian and other historical periods up to 1750. These restrictions have sparked debates, especially among collectors and dealers, as they significantly impact the trading and collecting of these coins. The Ancient Coin Collectors Guild (ACCG) has voiced concerns and is actively urging U.S. citizens to push for legislative changes to ease the constraints. This article delves into the details of the restrictions, their implications, and the ongoing efforts to combat them.

Coin Type	Period	Material	Description
Numidian Coins	5th century B.C.	Primarily bronze, some silver	Coins from ancient Numidia, made mostly of bronze.
Carthaginian Coins	5th century B.C. to 2nd century B.C.	Electrum (gold and silver alloy)	Coins from the Carthaginian Empire, often featuring royal figures.
Roman Provincial Coins	1st century B.C. to 3rd century A.D.	Bronze, silver, and gold	Regional coins used in Roman provinces, depicting gods, emperors, and symbols.
Vandal Coins	5th century A.D.	Primarily bronze, some silver	Coins from the Vandal Kingdom, typically made from bronze.
Byzantine Coins	4th to 15th century A.D.	Copper, bronze, silver, gold	Coins from the Byzantine Empire, showing religious and imperial imagery.
Islamic Coins	7th to 15th century A.D.	Bronze, silver, and gold	Coins from various Islamic empires, often bearing Arabic script.
Norman Coins	11th to 13th century A.D.	Bronze, silver, and gold	Coins from the Norman rulers of Sicily and England, often showing royal insignia.
Ottoman Coins	14th to 18th century A.D.	Bronze, silver, and gold	Coins from the Ottoman Empire, often decorated with Arabic script and imperial seals.

New Import Restrictions on Ancient Coins

A Broad Range of Restricted Coins

As of July 22, 2024, coins from various historical periods and regions are subject to import restrictions. This includes coins from:

• Numidian
• Carthaginian (Punic)
• Roman Provincial
• Vandal
• Byzantine
• Islamic
• Norman
• Ottoman

These coins span from the 5th century B.C. to A.D. 1750 and were primarily circulated in Tunisia.

Materials and Types of Coins

The restricted coins vary in material and design:

• Numidian and Vandal coins: Typically bronze, though some are silver.
• Carthaginian coins: Made from electrum, a natural alloy of gold and silver.
• Byzantine and later coins: Crafted from copper, bronze, silver, or gold.

They often feature imagery such as animals, buildings, symbols, or royal figures, and can be either square or round.

Cultural Implications of the Restriction

These restrictions don’t only target coins; they also encompass elements of cultural heritage, including artifacts tied to Tunisia’s displaced Jewish minority and even items like rope. Critics argue that such measures excessively broaden the scope of what constitutes restricted cultural property.

The Role of the ACCG

The Ancient Coin Collectors Guild (ACCG) has been actively opposing these and similar restrictions for over a decade. Their concerns revolve around the increasing difficulty of legally importing and collecting numismatic materials due to overlapping designated lists and MOUs (Memorandums of Understanding).

Advocacy for Legislative Change

The ACCG is calling for support for HR 7865, a bill introduced on April 2, 2024, by Representative Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas). This bill aims to amend the Convention on Cultural Property Implementation Act, simplifying the lawful trade and collection of coins.

To rally support, the ACCG has outlined a simple three-step process for U.S. citizens to contact their representatives, available on their website.

Fighting Future Restrictions

The ACCG warns that the expansion of MOUs is a significant challenge to collectors and dealers. To prevent further restrictions, the organization emphasizes the importance of legislative reform. By advocating for HR 7865, the ACCG seeks to ensure that historical coin collecting remains a viable and lawful activity.

How You Can Get Involved

If you’re a collector, dealer, or simply interested in preserving access to ancient coins, you can:

1. Visit the ACCG website for guidance on contacting your representative.
2. Learn about the implications of the restrictions to better understand the stakes.
3. Spread awareness among fellow enthusiasts and the public about the importance of protecting numismatic freedoms.

Conclusion

The new import restrictions on ancient coins highlight the ongoing tension between cultural preservation and collectors’ rights. While the aim is to protect historical artifacts, critics argue that the measures often overreach, impacting lawful collectors. The ACCG continues to advocate for balanced policies, urging U.S. citizens to support legislative changes like HR 7865. As this debate unfolds, public awareness and engagement remain key to finding a fair resolution that respects both heritage and hobbyists.

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