| Author |
 Replies: 22 / Views: 1,821 |
Page 2 of 2
|
|
|
|
New Member
 United States
6 Posts |
Thanks for all of the responses. I'm finding a lot of good information on these forums.
John 1. It's illegal to damage coins too, isn't it?... I'm guessing this crook's already underground. Coin was in an estate for quite a few years before I got it.
Thanks again, and I'll keep looking for more coins for you to opine on.
|
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
I don't believe it's illegal to damage coins per se.
|
|
Moderator
 United States
189122 Posts |
 to the Community! |
|
New Member
United States
6 Posts |
Thanks CoinFrog! I'm enjoying it. Per Google, for whatever that's worth: 18 U.S.C. 331 defines the federal crime of mutilation, diminution, or falsification of United States coins. You could be charged for violating this federal law if you fraudulently deface, mutilate, alter, diminish, impair, scale, or lighten coins. There's a cafe in Decorah, IA what has the floor covered with Lincoln pennies (and epoxied). I've debated sitting down in the entrance and having a look for any rares, albeit, well worn. |
|
Moderator
United States
189122 Posts |
Quote:Per Google, for whatever that's worth: 18 U.S.C. 331 defines the federal crime of mutilation, diminution, or falsification of United States coins. You could be charged for violating this federal law if you fraudulently deface, mutilate, alter, diminish, impair, scale, or lighten coins. The word "fraudulently" does all the heavy lifting here. You can do anything to a coin as you do not intend to commit fraud. |
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
19189 Posts |
Yes, the fulcrum here is 'fraudulently'...
|
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
What about counter-stamped coins? Aren't they defaced? Yet they're openly sold online and in coin shops.
|
|
Moderator
United States
189122 Posts |
Defaced? Yes. Illegal? Not until you use them to commit fraud.
|
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
So I can mutilate any coin I want as long as I do it cheerfully and honestly?
|
|
Pillar of the Community
 United States
1502 Posts |
It sounds like melting down for copper value would be legal under that description.
I swing a metal detector and have a knack for finding dirty old coins. Dirt coin restoration projects - https://www.prodetecting.com/restorationsDirt coin restoration blog - https://www.prodetecting.com/blog/ccawDirt coin dig videos - https://www.youtube.com/@prodetecting |
|
Moderator
United States
189122 Posts |
Quote:
So I can mutilate any coin I want as long as I do it cheerfully and honestly? Yup. Quote:
It sounds like melting down for copper value would be legal under that description. Except there is legislation that allows the treasury prohibit it.  |
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
So I left a lot of cents on the RR tracks as a kid, but I'm in the clear now, is that right?
|
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
10586 Posts |
Quote:
but I'm in the clear now, is that right? As long as selling elongated cents is legal you are free to go  |
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
74592 Posts |
|
|
New Member
United States
6 Posts |
Entertaining and thoughtful discussion on fraud. Maybe that's why the local coin store guy always has a smile on his face... He's working "cheerfully"  Thanks again for the help on understanding my IHC. |
|
Page 2 of 2
|
Replies: 22 / Views: 1,821 |
Page 2 of 2
|
First Page
Posted 11/14/2024 11:26 am
