The government has prevailed in its effort to seize a group of valuable 1933 Double Eagle Gold coins. See
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2011/07/21/jury_finds_us_rightfully_seized_double_eagle_gold_coins/
The government maintained that they were stolen property because the issue was recalled to be melted before they were officially issued.
Whether they were released by corrupt officials or not, I'm happy the coins were saved from the melting pot. It would be a real shame if for some ridiculous bureaucratic reason they will not escape that fate now.
How about selling them to the highest bidder to help with our budget deficit? Every little bit helps.