Robbery of the Mexican Mint

[eurocoin]

Earlier today a robbery took place at the Mexican mint. 3 men have taken 1,567 gold coins worth 2.2 million euros.

[Figleaf]

The robbery of a branch office of the Mexican mint was easy. There was only one guard, who was easily disarmed and the vault was open. The thieves got away with 1 567 gold pieces with a denomination of 50 pesos. This is not a good measure of the value of the loot, since the pieces were sold at 31 500 pesos a piece. That is also not a good measure, because they were bound to be sold with an agio.

In reality, the pieces will probably be re-melted. Their weight is 41.667 grams and their fineness is 0.900. The actual gold weight of the stolen coins is therefore 1 567 x 41.667 x 0.9 = 58.7625 kilos. BTW, it is unlikely that this could be transported in one rucksack, as reports have it. At the present gold price of $47 800/kilo, that amounts to over $2.8 million before cost of melting.

Peter

[eurocoin]

Apparently not only coins but also watches that the mint produces were stolen. There were also 3 robbers. The same happened last year although back then less valuables were taken. The possible involvement of 2 members of staff and the guard is being investigated as they didn't follow the security protocols.

[Pellinore]

From which date and type are these coins?
— Paul

[quaziright]

I was there a couple months ago. The mint shop is located in the central bank building across from the Angel of Independence monument. When I was there, there were armed guards at the building entrance as well as two more inside the mint shop which is just left of the main entrance.

I would indeed imagine this has to be an inside job.

[Figleaf]

Press reports say they are gold "Centenarios" of 50 pesos. The originals were issued 1921-1947. I presume these are re-strikes. The reports don't give dates.

Peter

[eurocoin]

While 4 suspects that can be seen on surveillance videos remain on the run, all of them have now been identified. 2 of them were identified by a family member.

On Monday a 41-year old man was arrested by the police. He caught the attention of the cops as he was driving without a seatbelt. In his car 20 gold coins were found. Although the suspect claimed he bought them in a jewellery shop, the Mexican mint was able to confirm that the coins originated from the heist.