Overview
- The heist, which hit around 6 a.m. Saturday, began when intruders forced rear iron bars, climbed a ladder, and smashed the case holding the coins.
- National Police are leading the investigation with forensic teams reviewing CCTV, and the museum is closed to visitors with no arrests reported.
- Early reports point to three or four perpetrators who used a hammer-like tool and fled on motorcycles, with a suspected route through the Puerta del Alpéndiz.
- The stolen set includes 149 gold coins minted between 1772 and 1822 in mints across Spain and Spanish America, weighing close to four kilograms and spanning the reigns of Carlos III, Carlos IV, and Fernando VII.
- Local officials called the loss a heavy cultural blow to Villanueva de la Serena, which had transferred the hoard to Badajoz in November for care and first public display in December, raising fresh questions about safeguards for heritage on view.