Repatriation of Greek Coins at The National Hellenic Museum, 2023
The repatriation of the 51 ancient Greek coins at the National Hellenic Museum (NHM) in Chicago was a formal, diplomatic, and law‑enforcement ceremony marking the return of cultural property seized in the United States and sent back to Greece. It took place on June 16, 2023, and was the largest repatriation of ancient Greek coins in recent Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) history. What the ceremony represented The event symbolized:
The protection of Greek cultural heritage
The collaboration between U.S. federal agencies and Greek diplomatic authorities
The role of the National Hellenic Museum as a cultural bridge between Greece and the Greek diaspora
The coins—intercepted in four separate shipments by U.S. Customs and Border Protection—were seized because shippers could not provide legitimate ownership documentation.Who attended the ceremony The ceremony brought together high‑level Greek diplomats, U.S. federal officials, and NHM leadership. Attendees included:
Ambassador of Greece to the United States Alexandra Papadopoulou
Consul General of Greece in Chicago Emmanuel Koubarakis
Consul Georgia Tasiopoulou
HSI Chicago Special Agent in Charge R. Sean Fitzgerald
Officials from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Representatives of the National Hellenic Museum, including leadership and board members
John Calamos, Founder and Chairman of the NHM, who formally received the coins on behalf of the museum
These individuals collectively underscored the diplomatic importance of the repatriation and the museum’s role in safeguarding Greek heritage.How the ceremony unfolded The event included:
A formal handover of the coins from HSI to Greek officials
Remarks emphasizing the cultural significance of the artifacts
Statements about the ongoing fight against antiquities trafficking
Acknowledgment of the NHM’s role in hosting and facilitating the repatriation
Ambassador Papadopoulou described the return as “a successful example of how when we join forces, we can make miracles,” highlighting the shared cultural identity between Greece and the Greek American community.
