Money Moral Dilemma: Should I give my ex of 10 years ago her coin collection back?

Former_MSE_Megan_F

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

Should I give my ex of 10 years ago her £1-coin collection back? I found about £25 of coins during a clear-out but they could be worth more as some are so old. It was a messy break-up and we never swapped our stuff back, so should I tell her?

Unfortunately the MSE team can't always answer money moral dilemma questions as contributions are often emailed in or suggested in person. They are intended to be enjoyed as a point of debate and discussed at face value.

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Marvel1

It's been 10 years, she should have got this sooner.

Red-Squirrel_2

Yes, of course. Its not yours, you know its not yours, and you know who it belongs to. If you don't return it you'd be stealing it!

Mayflower10cat

I would return them. I wouldn't want to hang onto anything that wasn't mine after a messy break-up. For the sake of £25 (or whatever) - give them back.

qwert_yuiop

Twelve years and you've got squatter's rights
on land. Probably doesn't apply to coins.

BucksLady

It might be worth asking her if she actually wants them back

REJP

You know the coins belong to her. The messy breakup may have been the reason she never took them with her, but not giving them to her would be spiteful.
Be a man and do the right thing. You will feel good about it.

gycraig_2

I wouldn't be hunting an ex down to give her coins she doesn't care about.

You wouldn't try to return a dress you found a year later nvm 10 years

hazyjo

God no, the past is the past. That's way too long to track down an ex. Would just look like an excuse to see her again. I'm sure if she was that bothered she'd have been in touch.

Just keep them in the loft if you feel bad about selling them/profiting from them.

I really don't see how it can be 'so old' as they've only been around for 30 years or so.

Looking on ebay, the collection is probably worth under £100. If an ex from 10 years ago tracked me down to return something worth that, I'd think it was weird. She could be married with kids by now.

I suppose you could send her a FB message, but tbh it would creep me out if it ended that badly.

Jx

sillysally00

Unquestionably. Return the coins as soon as possible with an apology for the delay. No need for niceties.

Money_maker

A messy break up = leave well alone.


Donate the coins to a charity if it makes you feel better.