On Moneta-L, from John
Hooker:
I am copying this response to the list to show that even AIA
members do
not all toe the party line:
http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#documentDetail?R=0900006480b5595b"I am a Life Member of the Archaeological Institute of America and also
a collector and student of ancient coinage. Although I understand the
concerns for protecting the integrity of archaeological sites within the
borders of
Greece, I urge the Department of State to reject the proposed
MOU in its present form. According to the governing statute,
restrictions can be
applied only to artifacts "first discovered in
Greece." But there is no basis for presuming that an ancient Greek coin
in today's collectors market was "first discovered in
Greece." Since
ancient times,
Greek coins have circulated (and been buried) far outside
the borders of the modern Greek state- to nearly every
part of Europe
and as far East as
India. Archaeologists can attest that most ancient
Greek coins now extant were discovered outside of modern
Greece. The
governing statute also imposes these restrictions only on artifacts of
"cultural significance." But that criterion does not well fit the case
of coins- which were mechanically mass-manufactured and have for
centuries been distributed virtually everywhere in the modern world.
The governing statute contemplates that less drastic remedies be tried
before the imposition of import restrictions; a successful example is
the UK Treasure
Act and
Portable Antiquities Scheme. But
Greece has not
yet tried any such approach before seeking these restrictions. The
governing statute requires that restrictions be consistent with the
interests of the international community in cultural exchanges. But
restrictions will diminish the ability of American collectors to study
these products of Greek culture. Scholars know that the greatest
advances in the study of Greek
numismatics (and indeed, ancient Greek
history) have come from the
work of institutions and private scholars
outside of modern
Greece. The proposed restrictions are perverse,
unfair and discriminatory to Americans. Collectors in the EU--including
Greece--have no similar limitations on their ability to import ancient
coins. The proposed restrictions would harm business relations between
US and EU small businesses, particularly those in
Germany and the U.K."
Well done, and a brave response!
Cheers,
John