Brain Teaser - A gang of 17 thieves steals a bag of gold coins

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A gang of 17 thieves steals a bag of gold coins. In trying to share the coins equally, there are three coins remaining. In the ensuing fight over these three coins, one of the gang members is killed. In the next attempt to equally distribute the coins, there are 10 coins remaining. Again the gang fights, and another member dies. The third attempt is successful.

What is the smallest number of coins stolen?

 
must be very large bags, or very large coins
If we're talking pennies or dimes, I don't think it's that big. But would seventeen pirates be willing to fight and kill over that amount? I doubt it.

 
17 thieves were required to steal the bag of coins because they were unionized, the number of coins is irrelevent due to the useless expendenture of union dues. The real question should have been, "How long does it take to have 17 thieves steal a bag of coins, disregarding seniority".

 
Are they chocolate coins? If they are, is it too late to apply to be the 18 thief?

 
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