What's this all about

[Gary D]

Important Message for all Numismatists



A new amendment to the German Cultural property and Heritage Protection Law looks set to have extremely negative repercussions for collectors worldwide.

The proposed changes to the law, put forward by German Minister of Culture Monika Grütters, will affect anyone specialising in traditional collecting fields, such as coins, stamps and books.



What does this mean?

In basic terms, it means that any owner of what is deemed 'cultural goods' with a value of 2,500 Euros will now have to provide absolute proof of the the item's provenance for the previous 20 years.
In the case of items that are deemed 'of archaeological value', the same is true to the value of just 100 Euros.


I don't trade in Germany, why should I care?

Collectors all over the world need to take notice of this proposal. If it passes, it means that it will severely restrict trade in Germany, which will inevitably have a detrimental effect on prices and values across the entire market.


Law is law, what can I do?

This is one of those rare occasions where the voice of those directly affected can make a difference. The proposed amendment openly calls for 'comment and contribution', meaning that it is not yet set in stone and we can have an influence on the amendment's future.


So, what do we do?

A petition has been created which you can sign by following this link.
At A H Baldwin & Sons we are actively encouraging our valued customers and friends to sign, so that we can continue to preserve the traditions and time-honoured culture of not just numismatics but collecting in all its guises.

As always, we continue to appreciate your support.

----The Baldwin's Team

Link to petition: www.baldwin.co.uk/petition

[jacinbox]

I buy coins of the street (10000 for £100) some of which may turn out to be scarce.

Once in a blue-moon I may stumble upon something worth £3000. How do I go about asking for a provenance for all the 10000 coins.

WTF?????

[Rob]

I have a wife more than 50 years old who is a cultural gem that I nicked from Germany. She is worth more than 2500 euros. Where she was before we knew each other, I have no idea.

[azda]

Basically if someone lays claim to something you've bought the German Government is basically saying you must prove 20 years provenance or it could be taken from you. The petition is there not just because of the guy who had 100 million euros worth of WWII paintings here in Munich and people claimed they belonged to previous generations. This could be extended EU wide

[scott]

a 2,500 euro coin or book or stamp?

erm... yea.

of archaeological value?

whats that even? does that mean anything dug up and worth 100 euros? that could fit in with coins, and the market for WW2 german items.

[TomGoodheart]

I think the key issues for me are the definition of "cultural goods" and "archaeological value". Until those are clarified I find it hard to say whether it might affect me or not. Though I admit I did sign. I think I got my link from CNG, know Heritage had one and suspect that most major dealers/ auctioneers will be similarly encouraging their customers and clients to sign or comment.

Still a matter of 'watch this space' I think: http://www.artlawreport.com/2015/07/16/germany-walks-back-on-proposed-cultural-property-law/

.

[Colin88]

As this stands its totally unworkable and will never happen.

A bit like I read this morning that doctors will be fined for over subscribing pills ..or the one where you will be be fined for hogging the middle lane on motorways..and all the other nonsense laws that they threaten us with....its just scaremongering by government bodies to keep us all under control....

[azda]

You should try living in Germany Colin, they enforce everything