Late response but it could be classified the same as a famous painting that was stolen 75 years ago. Just because the statute of limitations might be up for prosecuting for stealing it, it would still need to be returned to the rightful owner, th US government in this case.

@D Bone Don't the statute of limitations apply? So if I see property that was stolen from me beyond the statute of limitations, I can confiscate it? According to the Constitution we are supposed to have equal protection under the law.

JaniceB- The story you referenced was about Double Eagle gold coins that were ordered to be destroyed decades ago. People "stole" them so anyone who has one today is not supposed to. It is that simple, Cincinnatus is right....they should have just melted them down.

Yep - everyone sell their gold stuff...then there is absolutely no means of barter when the mucky-mucks get done with the middle class!

Janice: The best thing to do with double eagle gold coins is melt them and sell the gold.

In my opinion our government is bad about illegally confiscating gold and guns. http://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/item/12813-judge-govt-can-keep-10-confiscated-double-eagles-worth-$80-million

He had all that gold and ammo,but died anyway. I hope to leave nothing behind.

Knowing the IRS, they will take the coins, the guns and half the cash and leave the relatives with what is left.

Sounds less like hoarding and more like he was preparing for the other shoe to drop...

Good for the cousin. You know what they say: I love my country, it's the government that i don't trust. (and according to recent credit ratings analysis, this is the second time in a year they have down graded our credit, so....)