LONG BEACH, Calif. – A precious gold nugget valued at $82,000 was recently stolen from a coin expo held in Long Beach, prompting a $10,000 reward for its safe return. The nugget, steeped in the history of the California Gold Rush, was taken from a booth during the event.

Theft Details and Owner’s Concerns

The victim of the theft is Bob Campbell, a reputable coin dealer from Utah who had the nugget on display. Surveillance footage revealed the perpetrator, who surreptitiously accessed the nugget by exploiting a minor flaw in its display case. Campbell lamented the loss, emphasizing the rarity and historical significance of the stolen item.

Perpetrator’s Actions Caught on Camera

According to Campbell, the thief meticulously assessed the situation, testing locks and ensuring minimal surveillance before making his move. The security footage captures the thief’s calculated actions, depicting him swiftly seizing the valuable nugget before discreetly leaving the scene.

Historical Value of the Stolen Nugget

The stolen nugget, weighing approximately 27 ounces, holds not only substantial monetary value but also serves as a relic of California’s storied Gold Rush era. Discovered in a creek near the Oregon border during the 19th-century rush for gold, nuggets of this size and historical significance are exceedingly rare.

Concerns Over Potential Melting Down

Campbell expressed apprehension over the fate of the stolen nugget, fearing that it might be melted down to extract its gold content, disregarding its historical importance. He underscored the rarity of intact nuggets from the Gold Rush era and the premium they command among collectors.

Hope for Recovery

Despite the setback, Campbell remains hopeful that the thief will be identified, leading to the recovery of the stolen nugget. He emphasized the importance of preserving such artifacts for their historical value, urging anyone with information to come forward.

Conclusion: Preserving Historical Treasures

The theft of the $80,000 gold nugget from the Long Beach expo highlights not only the monetary value of such artifacts but also the imperative of safeguarding historical treasures. As efforts continue to apprehend the perpetrator and recover the stolen nugget, it serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our rich cultural heritage.

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