Buying Ancients and Taking Them Out of Italy: Laws and Practice

[jskirwin]

As a collector of ancients and frequent traveler to Italy I have read a lot of conflicting information, including several posts on this forum, regarding the purchase of ancient Roman coins as a tourist in Italy.
What are the laws of purchasing coins in Italy, and taking them out of the country - such as home to the UK, USA or Canada?
And what are the practicalities of doing so?

I have never purchased coins in Rome, and instead spent the time at the Capitoline Museum which has coins I could never afford, and have only rarely seen come up at auction.
In my time as a collector, I have advised others to do the same due to the unclear laws and the potential delay at customs. But I have been taken to task for my reticence, and gotten into some rather heated arguments with other collectors over this matter.

I know that Andrew McCabe and Meepzorp have written on this issue 10 years ago, but I would like to know what the laws - and practicalities are of buying coins in Rome and leaving the country with them.

[Ron C2]

Italy has very strict export permit laws now and a very slow bureaucracy. Exporting legally from there isn’t something you can do while visiting in vacation, in my opinion.

To be honest though, I rarely see worthwhile coins in the major Italian cities these days, and when I do, they are overpriced compared to dealers in almost any other country.

[Gavin C]

Legal Considerations:
Italy has strict laws regarding the export of cultural heritage items, including ancient artifacts such as coins. These laws are designed to protect Italy's cultural heritage and prevent the illegal trafficking of antiquities.
Purchasing ancient coins in Italy is generally legal if the coins are acquired from reputable sources, such as licensed dealers or legitimate archaeological sites.
However, exporting ancient coins from Italy may require documentation and permits, especially for coins considered to be of significant cultural or historical value. Failure to obtain the necessary permits can result in confiscation of the coins and legal consequences.
Practical Considerations:
Before purchasing ancient coins in Italy, it's essential to research the legal requirements for exporting such items from the country. This may involve consulting with legal experts or government authorities to ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
When buying ancient coins, it's crucial to obtain proper documentation and provenance information from the seller. This documentation can help facilitate the export process and demonstrate the legitimacy of the coins' acquisition.
Travelers should be prepared to declare any ancient coins they are carrying when leaving Italy and entering their home country or other destinations. Customs authorities may ask for documentation or proof of legal acquisition, so it's essential to have these documents readily available.

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