18 U.S.C. § 487: Making or possessing…

Summary

Making, keeping, or letting someone use any die, hub, or mold (or part of one) that copies the design or writing on coins made at U.S. mints — whether it’s made of steel, plaster, or any other material — is illegal without permission. A person who does this can be fined under federal law, jailed for up to fifteen years, or both.

Title 18, §487

Crimes and Criminal Procedure, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

Whoever, without lawful authority, makes any die, hub, or mold, or any part thereof, either of steel or plaster, or any other substance, in likeness or similitude, as to the design or the inscription thereon, of any die, hub, or mold designated for the coining or making of any of the genuine gold, silver, nickel, bronze, copper, or other coins coined at the mints of the United States; or Whoever, without lawful authority, possesses any such die, hub, or mold, or any part thereof, or permits the same to be used for or in aid of the counterfeiting of any such coins of the United States— Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than fifteen years, or both.

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., § 283 (Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 321, § 169, 35 Stat. 1120). Reference to persons causing, procuring, aiding or assisting was omitted as unnecessary as such persons are made principals by section 2 of this title. Mandatory punishment provision was rephrased in the alternative. The provision for imprisonment for 10 years was changed to 15 years to conform to section 471 of this title. Changes in phraseology were made.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–322 substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $5,000”.

§487 Making or Possessing Counterfeit Dies for Coins