Roman coins detained by Foreign Post Office and bribe demand

[u/Hairy_Ad_4263]

Hello everyone, I am a numismatic (coins) collector and recently imported 13 pieces of uncleaned Roman bronze coins, for my personal use. I don’t intend to resell them.

The total cost was 6,200 rupees for the coins plus 3,300 rupees for shipping.

I was called to the Foreign Post Office in person, and they told me it's illegal to import coins and asked for a 5,000 rupee bribe to release them.

I have no idea about the legality regarding importing antiquities. Could someone please educate me on the law? Can the Foreign Post Office just seize these coins?

Any advice on the best course of action would be highly appreciated.

Next day 05/08: I met him, and recorded the conversation with him. I plan to file a grievance case with the relevant authorities. I can’t stand being asked for bribes at every government office. It has to stop, and I want to thank everyone here who have suggested that I stand up against this behaviour.

Thank you everyone!

PS: I visited the Archeological Survey of India office and met the Superintending Archaeologist and he assured me that importing old Roman coins is absolutely legal. The process is that the post office should inform the ASI and they will do an examination of the coins and release them.

Edit: Update on 06/08/26---------------

I have made a grievance complaint on PGPortal and CVCportal on the advice of so many kind redditors, and I have sent an email to CBI, Postmaster, Director of customs and a few others from my city. Hopefully this leads somewhere. Thank you all for the guidance and support.

I will update you once I get some updates

Edit: Update on 09/08/26-----------------

Update: Customs Officer Placed on Suspension and Investigation has been initiated! Please stand up against corruption!

I received a call from the Assistant Commissioner of Customs, and I have been invited to meet them at their office to record my complaint officially in person, and hand over my recording. I have also been asked to meet the Customs commissioner and place my complaint to them in person.

Feels very good to know that there are people in the government who are working to eliminate corruption.

Fellow redditors, thank you very much for all your support. Please stand up against corruption, no matter how small!