French Museums in Crisis: 2,000 Coins Stolen Amidst High-Profile Heists

Sat Oct 25 2025 00:33:24 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a shocking wave of thefts, a French museum suffers a major heist, losing 2,000 gold and silver coins, just as the nation grapples with the aftermath of a stunning Louvre robbery.

Around 2,000 gold and silver coins worth about €90,000 were stolen from the Maison des Lumières in northeastern France, shortly after the infamous theft of French crown jewels at the Louvre. This incident highlights rising concerns about museum security across France, as thieves appear emboldened amidst recent high-profile heists.

In a stunning turn of events, a French museum known for showcasing the works of philosopher Denis Diderot was robbed of 2,000 gold and silver coins valued at approximately €90,000 (£78,000; $104,000). The audacious theft occurred in Landres, just hours after the shocking heist of crown jewels at the Louvre in Paris.

Staff at the Maison des Lumières discovered the crime on Tuesday when they found a smashed display case during routine preparations for reopening. Officials noted that the coins had been selected with impressive expertise, raising further alarm about the precision of the theft.

This incident adds to a troubling trend of museum heists in France, with notable thefts that include the recent burglary at Paris’s Natural History Museum, where thieves made off with six gold nuggets valued at €1.5 million. An arrested suspect was found trying to sell melted down gold, creating additional tension in the cultural sector.

Experts suggest that these high-profile crimes have encouraged copycat thefts, as security at cultural institutions is increasingly being called into question. The Louvre, which houses immense wealth in historical treasures, has revealed critical flaws in its security system, raising concerns about the safety of its collections.

Authorities and art experts urge for stricter security measures to safeguard France's cultural heritage, ensuring that valuable treasures remain protected from escalating criminal activity.