Large 2-pound gold nugget valued at over $80K stolen from Southern California collectibles event

Thief Steals $82,100 Gold Nugget

A thief recently stole a gold nugget worth $82,100 from the Long Beach Convention Center, prompting the Long Beach Police Department to seek the public’s help in locating both the culprit and the valuable metal.

Surveillance Video

Surveillance footage captured the theft, showing a man taking the gold nugget from a display booth at the Convention Center. The incident occurred around 11:45 a.m. on a Thursday.

Annual Long Beach Expo

The theft took place during the 60th annual Long Beach Expo, an event that caters to collectors of various items. The expo provides a platform for collectors to showcase and purchase unique and valuable collectibles.

Reward for Information

The Long Beach Police Department, in collaboration with Robert Campbell Rare Coins of Salt Lake City, is offering a reward of $10,000 for any information that leads to the recovery of the stolen gold nugget. Those with relevant information can contact Bob Campbell at 801-467-8636 or 801-414-6623.

Origin and Composition of the Nugget

The stolen nugget has a mass of 821 grams, equivalent to over 1.8 pounds, and was originally discovered in the Yolo River near Weed, California, several years ago. The documentation detailing the nugget reveals that it is composed of nearly 90% pure gold, 6% silver, and 4% copper.

Insight on Gold Theft

Gold is a highly valuable and sought-after commodity, making it a target for thieves looking to make a quick profit. The theft of rare and valuable gold items, such as this nugget, underscores the importance of security measures at events where such items are on display. Additionally, the use of surveillance cameras can aid in identifying and apprehending perpetrators in cases of gold theft.

It is crucial for collectors and exhibitors to take precautions to protect their valuable items and assets, such as implementing secure display cases, hiring security personnel, and leveraging technology like alarm systems and tracking devices. Collaborating with law enforcement agencies and offering rewards for information can also be effective strategies in recovering stolen gold items and holding thieves accountable for their actions.