Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal ProcedureRelease 119-73not60
§487 Making or Possessing Counterfeit Dies for Coins
Title 18 › Part I— CRIMES › Chapter 25— COUNTERFEITING AND FORGERY › § 487
Summary
It’s a crime, without legal permission, to make, possess, or let someone use any die, hub, mold, or part (steel, plaster, or other material) that copies the design or lettering of official U.S. coin dies. The punishment can be a fine, up to fifteen years in prison, or both.
Full Legal Text
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.
Legislative History
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”.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
18 U.S.C. § 487
Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal Procedure
Last Updated
Apr 5, 2026
Release point: 119-73not60