Long Beach, California – An $82,000 gold nugget, dating back to the California Gold Rush, was stolen from a booth at a Long Beach coin expo. The owner, Bob Campbell, a Utah-based coin dealer, is offering a $10,000 reward for its safe return.

Security footage revealed that a man breached the display case holding the historic nugget due to a small defect. Campbell lamented the loss, emphasizing its historical significance: To find a big nugget like that — 27 ounces — that has survived that long? Pretty rare, pretty unusual.

How the Theft Occurred

The thief was captured on camera attempting various locks before exploiting the defect in the case. Within moments, he pocketed the 27-ounce nugget and made a discreet exit, glancing around to ensure no one had noticed.

Value Beyond Gold

Campbell underscored that such nuggets are often melted down purely for their gold content, disregarding their historical worth. The bigger the nugget, the more they’re worth, he noted, lamenting the potential loss of an irreplaceable piece of California’s gold rush history.

Conclusion: Seeking Public Assistance

Bob Campbell remains hopeful that the thief will be identified through the circulated security footage. Anyone with information is urged to contact local authorities or download The Local News App for updates on this developing story.

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