Title 15 — Commerce and TradeRelease 119-73
§291 Stamping with words “United States assay”, etc., unlawful
Title 15 › Chapter CHAPTER 8— - FALSELY STAMPED GOLD OR SILVER OR GOODS MANUFACTURED THEREFROM › § 291
Summary
It is illegal for people or businesses that sell across U.S. states, territories, the District of Columbia, U.S. possessions, or to other countries to stamp gold, silver, or items made from them with any mark that says or implies the U.S. government certified their purity or quality. Each separate stamp like that counts as its own offense.
Full Legal Text
Title 15, §291
Commerce and Trade — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
It shall be unlawful for any person, partnership, association, or corporation engaged in commerce among the several States, Territories, District of Columbia, and possessions of the United States, or with any foreign country, to stamp any gold, silver, or goods manufactured therefrom, and which are intended and used in such commerce, with the words “United States assay”, or with any words, phrases, or devices calculated to convey the impression that the United States Government has certified to the fineness or quality of such gold or silver, or of the gold or silver contained in any of the goods manufactured therefrom. Each and every such stamp shall constitute a separate offense.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
15 U.S.C. § 291
Title 15 — Commerce and Trade
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
Release point: 119-73