Tip About Swerving Van Leads Police To Nearly 67,000 U.S. Silver Coins In Norway

Sep 17•2 min read

This handout photo released by Norwegian economic crime investigators on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, shows the U.S. "American Eagle" silver coins discovered by police in a van that was stopped after being driven "erratically" outside Oslo in April 2025. (Norwegian economic crime investigators via AP)(Norwegian economic crime investigators via AP)

Norwegian police stopped a van in Bærum in April 2025 after a tip about swerving and found tens of thousands of American Eagle silver coins; a second van held more. Nearly 67,000 coins, worth at least 25 million kroner (about $2.65 million), were seized. Three Norwegians were convicted of aggravated money laundering and sentenced up to two and a half years, while two Britons were acquitted. Authorities say the recovered coins could be returned to U.S. victims once legal processes finish.

Norwegian investigators wrapped up a yearslong money‑laundering probe in April 2025 after a tip about a van swerving on a highway outside Oslo led to a routine traffic stop in Bærum. Officers discovered tens of thousands of American Eagle silver coins in that vehicle, and a second van that arrived shortly afterward contained tens of thousands more.

Seizure and Value

The combined seizure totaled nearly 67,000 American Eagle silver coins, with an estimated minimum value of 25 million Norwegian kroner (about $2.65 million). Authorities say the coins were linked to the proceeds of a "major investment scheme" in the United States and had been stored in Norway.

Charges, Convictions and Legal Status

Norway's economic crime unit, Okokrim, announced that three Norwegian nationals — two men and one woman — were convicted of aggravated money laundering in connection with organizing the scheme and storing the coins. They received prison sentences of up to two and a half years.

Two British nationals charged in the case were acquitted. Prosecutors and defense lawyers may appeal, so the verdicts are not yet final.

"It is gratifying that the silver has been recovered and that a verdict has now been handed down, enabling the victims of the fraud in the U.S.A to have the misappropriated assets returned to them," Public Prosecutor Jon André Hvoslef‑Eide said in a statement. He added to The Associated Press that the victims will be able to recover assets only after the judicial process is complete.

Background And Context

Investigators had previously uncovered an earlier hoard of 79,500 silver coins in 2019. Acting at the request of U.S. authorities, Norwegian investigators continued searching for additional missing U.S. coins and made the April 2025 discovery while following those leads.

The U.S. Mint produces American Eagle coins in several metals — gold, silver and palladium — for collectors. With silver prices having risen considerably in the past year, the value of the recovered coins is now higher than when they first went missing.

What Happens Next: The seized coins may ultimately be returned to U.S. victims if appeals and legal processes are resolved in their favor.

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