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Many businesses sell genuine U.S. coins. Examples of such businesses include coin
retail shops, sellers of rare coinage and sellers of collectible sets. This section
provides important information for businesses interested in selling unadulterated
genuine U.S. coins.
The United States Mint has a bulk
purchase program as well as a
subscription program that businesses may want to use to acquire United States Mint products.
In addition, the United States Mint sells platinum, gold, and silver
American Eagle Bullion coins
to selected distributors.
Do consult with your attorney before embarking on any packaging, distribution or promotion activity
involving genuine United States coins.
Do understand the definition of genuine United States coinage.
Only the United States Mint, the manufacturer of legal tender coins of the United States of America,
makes genuine United States coins. The United States Mint produces special proof and uncirculated
coins for collectors, as well as the coins you find in your pocket.
Do make it clear in your advertisement and marketing materials that your business is not
affiliated with the United States Government in any way.
There are many professional coin dealers and other businesses nationwide that resell United States
Mint-issued products. On occasion, a business will describe its selling of United States
Mint-issued products in such a way that results in confusion. While it is certainly appropriate
to state that your business is offering genuine United States coinage for sale, it is important to
clearly state that your business concern is not affiliated with the United States Government in
any way.
Do make it clear in your advertisement and marketing materials that your business has
repackaged, renamed, or reassembled United States Mint-issued products.
Some businesses that sell United States Mint-issued products repackage, rename, or reassemble them
for purposes of resale. Advertisement and marketing materials should identify the use of different
packaging, product titles, or product presentations clearly and not in a deceptive or confusing manner.
Do be aware of United States Mint trademarks.
Registered trademarks include: "United States Mint®", "United States Mint Proof
Set®", "United States Mint Uncirculated Coin Set®", "Fort Knox
Collection®", and "50 State Quarters®". The United States Mint also considers
the terms "United States Mint Silver Proof Set™", "50 State Quarters®
Silver Proof Set", "50 State Quarters® Uncirculated Set", as well as the graphic
logos associated with the 50 State Quarters® Program, to be common law trademarks of the United
States Mint. Copyright protection also exists with regard to the United States Mint's 50 State Quarters®
graphic logos. Please note that this does not represent a complete list of all United States Mint
trademarks and copyrights. The United States Mint deems any unauthorized use of a United States
Mint trademark or the use of a similar mark likely to cause confusion to constitute trademark infringement.
Do refrain from using the words "United States Mint" or "U.S. Mint" or any
colorable imitation of such words, in connection with any advertisement, if its use conveys the
impression that the advertisement is approved, endorsed, or authorized by the United States Mint.
18 U.S.C. § 709 expressly prohibits such use in a manner reasonably intended to convey the
impression that the advertisement is approved, endorsed, or authorized by the United States Mint.
Pursuant to 31 U.S.C. § 333, the Secretary of Treasury may impose civil penalties of $5,000
($25,000 for broadcast or telecast) for the use of the words "Department of Treasury"
or "United States Mint" or any colorable imitation of such words, as part of an
advertisement, solicitation, business activity, or product, in any manner which could reasonably
be construed as misleading the public that the business concern is in any way approved, endorsed,
sponsored, authorized by or associated with the Treasury Department or United States Mint.
Criminal penalties of $10,000 fine per use ($50,000 per broadcast or telecast) and up to one-year
imprisonment may be assessed for knowing violations of this provision.
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