Gold and silver coins were stolen in another break-in at a French museum. Similar incidents have been occurring in the country recently.
October 22, 2025, 06:09October 22, 2025, 06:09
This time, almost 2,000 gold and silver coins disappeared from a museum overnight – just one day after the spectacular theft in the Louvre. Since the beginning of September, break-ins in French museums have apparently been increasing according to a similar pattern: valuable objects are specifically selected, jewelry, coins or pieces of high historical value. Coincidence?
After the Louvre break-in, the next museum robbery took place in France.Image: keystone
The most recent break-in hit the Maison des Lumières Denis Diderot in Langres, north-eastern France. Manuscripts, letters and historical objects from the 18th century are housed here – including a valuable coin hoard of around 2,000 silver and gold coins. According to initial investigations, the perpetrators apparently selected their prey specifically and with great expertise.
Double break-in in 48 hours
In mid-October, the Musée Jacques-Chirac in Sarran in the southwest of the country was targeted by thieves twice within 48 hours. The museum houses around 5,000 diplomatic gifts that Jacques Chirac received during his two terms in office (1995–2007). The damage, particularly from watches and jewelry, is still being assessed.
Thieves struck several times in September – within just two weeks, the Musée national Adrien-Dubouché in Limoges in the central west of the country and the Natural History Museum in Paris were the targets of break-ins. Three Chinese porcelain objects classified as “national treasures” with an estimated value of 6.5 million euros disappeared in Limoges.
Historical and rare pieces
Just a few days later, perpetrators stole several gold nuggets worth 1.5 million euros from the Muséum national d’histoire naturelle in Paris – historical and rare finds of considerable scientific importance. The investigation resulted in the arrest of a 24-year-old Chinese woman who was arrested in Barcelona. It is still unclear whether she acted alone or with accomplices.
The dramatic climax of this series occurred in the Louvre: In broad daylight on Sunday, masked thieves stole eight pieces of jewelry, including a tiara, a necklace and a bracelet, that once belonged to Napoléon’s family. Some were set with diamonds and emeralds and were of inestimable historical value. The material value is estimated at around 88 million euros.
Coincidence or imitation? There is still no clear answer. However, a pattern has emerged in recent break-ins: in several cases, objects of scientific, historical and symbolic value were specifically selected. The investigators assume that the coup in the Louvre involved a well-organized gang. They rule out any connection to a foreign state. (sda/dpa)