After so long a period of time they have commited no crime nor are guilty of no crime.
So, I think the mint actually has no claim to the coins whatsoever.
And that is why they caved before and will probley do so again.
Let me understand your reasoning.
My grandfather steals something from your grandfather. I show it to you, and you say, hey, that's stolen property which belongs to your grandfather. And your statement is a true statement.
I say, give it back or I'll sue you.
And I'm correct and should win that suit?
The statute of limitations is just a limitation on prosecuting them and sending them to prison for theft. There is no time limitation on recovering stolen property. Museums have been forced to return property that was stolen even after being in the museum's possession for over 200 years.