Thieves broke into the Museo Arqueológico Provincial de Badajoz early Saturday morning, stealing 149 gold coins from the Tesoro de Villanueva. They entered from the rear, forced a grate and smashed the display case. National Police are investigating the theft, which has shocked the region.
The robbery took place in the early hours of April 25, 2026, at the Museo Arqueológico Provincial de Badajoz. The Junta de Extremadura confirmed the thieves entered from the rear of the building, forced a grate and violently smashed the display case holding the coins. The surveillance system alerted at 6:00 a.m., but the perpetrators had already fled by the time National Police arrived.
The area was cordoned off during the morning, with scientific police gathering evidence. The museum director filed a complaint, and the center remains closed to the public until further notice. The Junta stated the museum had permanent surveillance and met all required security standards.
The Tesoro de Villanueva, discovered on November 11, 1987, during construction work at the old Cine Rialto in Villanueva de la Serena, consists of 149 gold coins minted between 1772 and 1822 at mints including Madrid, Mexico, Lima, Potosí and others from the Spanish empire. The coins, from the reigns of Carlos III, Carlos IV and Fernando VII, were transferred to the museum in November 2025 from Villanueva de la Serena town hall.
Ana Mansanet, culture councilor of Villanueva de la Serena, voiced the town's sadness: “It is very sad news for the whole town of Villanueva.” She emphasized the incalculable historical value of the coins and her hope for recovery by security forces.
