Comment on DOS-2026-0628-0001
Daniel SedwickOpposeBusiness
Summary: A representative of an IAPN member firm opposes the renewal of import restrictions on Albanian coins and the consideration of new restrictions on Romanian coins. They argue that these restrictions harm the international trade of coins and the hobby of coin collecting, requesting that any restrictions clearly exempt coins from legal markets.
As a representative of an IAPN member firm, I would like to reinforce IAPN's comments and ask you not to renew current import restrictions on coins for Albania that prioritize the interests of a foreign government over the rights of American coin collectors and the international trade in ancient, medieval and early modern coins. Moreover, please do not consider new import restrictions on coins for Romania. For any import restrictions that are imposed, please ensure that the designated lists are rewritten so that it is absolutely clear that they do not impact coins legitimately imported from legal markets abroad, particularly those in Romania's (and soon Albania's) sister EU market countries. Coin collecting is a hobby that promotes cultural understanding and relationships with collectors abroad. It should be facilitated, not harmed, by the Bureau of Cultural Affairs, which purports to support the creation of people-to-people contacts. Thank you for considering these views from a US citizen, taxpayer, and employer in professional numismatics, as well as a long-time supporter of and contributor to academic numismatic research.