The Big Story: Three Gold Coins Spell Death (EP4947)

This episode of 'The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio' presents a dramatized retelling of a real-life murder mystery from 1947 near Clinton, Oklahoma, titled 'Three Gold Coins Spelled Death.' The story follows Nolan Bullock, a reporter for the Tulsa Tribune who is secretly working as an undercover agent for the State Crime Bureau. While posing as a bootlegger named Mr. Norton, Bullock stumbles upon the body of Thomas Breeden, a man linked to a bootlegging syndicate, near Route 66. The discovery leads to a complex investigation involving FBI involvement, stolen Mexican coins, and a violent confrontation between two gang members—Ace Stiles and Bronson. Through clever detective work and psychological manipulation, Bullock and Special Investigator Nick Oliver uncover the truth: Breeden was killed during a dispute over $17,000 in smuggled coins, and the killers attempted to frame a third party. The episode culminates in the confession and conviction of Stiles and Bronson for second-degree manslaughter. The host, Adam Graham, then provides context about the real-life basis of the story, questioning the authenticity of Bullock’s government role but affirming his reputation for risking his life for a story.