Repatriation of Greek Coins at The National Hellenic Museum, 2023

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Date taken16-Jun-23 12:38

Date modified16-Jun-23 12:38

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REPATRIATION OF GREEK COINS, NHM, 06-16-2023

The National Hellenic Museum, Repatriation of Greek Coins 2023The 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.