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Repatriation of Greek Coins at The National Hellenic Museum, 2023

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Photo Info
Dimensions6000 x 4000
Original file size7.5 MB
Image typeJPEG
Color spacesRGB
Date taken15-Jun-23 19:16
Date modified16-Jun-23 15:08
Shooting Conditions
Camera makeNIKON CORPORATION
Camera modelNIKON D7200
Focal length62 mm
Focal length (35mm)93 mm
Max lens aperturef/4.9
Exposure1/100 at f/10
FlashFired, compulsory mode, return light detected
Exposure bias+2 EV
Exposure modeManual
Exposure prog.Manual
ISO speedISO 2500
Metering modePattern
Digital zoom1x
REPATRIATION OF GREEK COINS, NHM, 06-16-2023

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.
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