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"SILVER SURFER" QUARTERS 
The United States Mint has learned that 20th Century Fox and The Franklin Mint are promoting the movie, "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer," by placing a printed image of the "Silver Surfer" character, along with the movie's web address, on 40,000 California state commemorative quarter-dollar coins, and releasing these coins into circulation. This promotion is in no way approved, authorized, endorsed, or sponsored by the United States Mint, nor is it in any way associated or affiliated with the United States Mint. Although the United States Mint does not have the authority to enforce Federal criminal laws pertaining to the integrity of U.S. coinage, one such law specifically addresses the use of U.S. coinage for commercial advertising. The relevant statute is 18 U.S.C. § 475, which states the following:
18 U.S.C. § 475. Imitating obligations or securities; advertisements. NEW FEDERAL REGULATION PROHIBITING EXPORTATION, MELTING, OR TREATMENT OF UNITED STATES ONE-CENT AND 5-CENT COINS On December 12, 2006, United States Mint Director Edmund Moy approved an interim rule that generally prohibits the exportation, melting, or treatment of United States one-cent coins (pennies) and 5-cent coins (nickels), which became effective upon publication in the Federal Register on December 20, 2006. Because of the rising commodity prices of copper, nickel and zinc, the value of the metal content of both pennies and nickels now exceeds their respective face values. Accordingly, there is concern that speculators could remove pennies and nickels from circulation and sell them as scrap metal for profit. Widespread withdrawal of pennies and nickels from circulation could cause coin shortages, and it would be extremely costly to replenish them, given prevailing metal prices and production costs. This measure has been implemented to protect the coinage of the United States. A violation of the new restrictions can lead to a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment of up to 5 years, and forfeiture of the subject coins or metal. The authority for implementing this regulation is Title 31 of the United States Code, Section 5111(d). You can view the complete "New Regulation" press release , Federal Register Notice text version, and the Federal Register Notice PDF. United States Mint Seeks To Protect Consumers and Hobby From Misuse of Official Name and Emblems--Public Comment Sought on New Rule The Secretary of the Treasury has authorized the implementation of a regulation that would help protect consumers and the coin-collecting hobby when the Department of the Treasury’s and the United States Mint’s names and emblems are used in confusing, misleading and deceptive advertising. The United States Mint is soliciting public comment on the proposed rule, which will be published in the Federal Register. The regulation would allow the United States Mint to fine those who misuse its name or emblems or those of the Department of the Treasury. The authority for implementing this regulation is Title 31 of the United States Code, Section 333. You can view the complete "New Rule" press release.
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands' The United States Mint wants to alert consumers and the public about a new product being marketed by a private firm -- the National Collector's Mint, Inc. The National Collector's Mint, Inc. advertises this product as a "Freedom Tower Silver Dollar" originating from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and claims that it is a "legally authorized government issue" coin. On October 13, 2004, the New York Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order against the National Collector’s Mint, Inc., immediately halting the advertisement and sale of the "Freedom Tower Silver Dollar." Consumers who have questions or concerns about the "Freedom Tower Silver Dollar" can contact the New York Attorney General’s Office at www.oag.state.ny.us or by calling the Attorney General’s consumer help line at (800) 771-7755 (in-state) or (518) 474-5481 (out-of-state). The "Freedom Tower Silver Dollar" is not a genuine United States Mint coin or medal. Under the Constitution, Congress has the exclusive power to coin money of the United States. Congress has delegated its authority to mint and issue coins to the Secretary of Treasury, and Congress requires the Secretary to carry out these duties at the United States Mint. Thus, the United States Mint is the only government entity in the United States with the authority to coin money. Clearly, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. insular possession, does not have the authority to coin its own money. Consumers may find the advertisements for this product confusing because the National Collector's Mint uses phrases such as "legally authorized government issue," "U.S. territorial minting," and "silver dollar." The product itself may be confusing because it bears the denomination "One Dollar" and the inscription "In God We Trust," which Congress requires on all United States coins. Congress did not authorize the National Collector's Mint product, and the United States Government does not endorse it. 1936-dated Proof Set "Tribute" (Replica) The United States Mint is aware of recent efforts by the National Collector's Mint to market a replica of the United States Mint's 1936-dated Proof Set. Consumers should know that the National Collector's Mint is a business not affiliated or connected in any way with the United States Mint or the United States Government. The product - featuring medallions that closely resemble coins produced in 1936 - includes no genuine United States coins. The set, which is identified as a "tribute" to the first proof set produced by the United States Mint in 1936, features no genuine coins. Instead, the medallions contained in the set are reproductions and have a metal content different from the genuine coins produced by the United States Mint. Actual proof sets produced by the United States Mint in 1936 remain a popular item among collectors. Consumers should note that the medallions in the National Collector's Mint "tribute" set are metallurgically different than their U.S. coin counterparts. For example, the National Collector's Mint's "penny" medallion is made entirely of copper. Actual 1936-dated Lincoln pennies, backed by the United States Government, consist of 95 percent copper, and 5 percent tin and zinc. Similarly, the National Collector's Mint's "nickel" medallion is made of "pure silver clad." Actual 1936-dated Indian Head/Buffalo nickels consist of 75 percent copper and 25 percent nickel. Additionally, the image used on the National Collector's Mint's "nickel" medallion appears to have been taken from the 2001-dated Buffalo Commemorative Coin, itself based on the original Indian Head/Buffalo nickel (designed in 1913). The size of the head in relation to the inscription "LIBERTY" on the "tribute" nickel's obverse, as well as details in the subject's braid, hair and face, reflect the 2001-design and not the original design used in 1936. 2003 Missouri State Quarter Products
The National Collector's Mint is now producing and marketing a medallion that purports to be "the state quarter that the U.S. Government refused to mint." The United States Mint urges consumers who are considering the purchase of this item to be aware that it is not a genuine United States Mint quarter-dollar coin and is not legal tender. The medallion is a privately-produced product not backed by the United States Government. Consumers may find the accompanying advertisements of this medallion confusing and should take note of several issues related to them. First, the advertisement refers to the product as a "state quarter." The featured product is not a state quarter but, rather, a medallion featuring the same obverse design as genuine quarter-dollar coins. Second, the image of the obverse side of the medallion in the advertisement is not an image of the actual product being sold. The image in the advertisement does not include the word "copy," while the actual product does. The obverse design depicted on the National Collector's Mint medallion is nearly a copy of the obverse design on genuine Missouri quarter-dollar coins featuring George Washington. The word "copy" does appear on the likeness of George Washington on the medallion. This medallion also carries an "S" mint mark, which is usually reserved for United States coins that are legal tender and produced at the San Francisco Mint. The reverse design depicted on the National Collector's Mint's medallion is a different version of the design on genuine Missouri quarter-dollar coins. The Secretary of the Treasury approved the reverse design on Missouri quarter-dollar coins produced by the United States Mint and the approved design is the only design that may appear on Missouri quarter-dollar coins backed by the United States Government. Additional information concerning coin production can be found in the "About The Mint" section of the United States Mint's web pages. Operation Iraqi Freedom Commemorative Products
Recent Internet advertisements for "Operation Freedom" colorized Kennedy half-dollars have caught the attention of the United States Mint and the Michigan State Attorney General's Office. Touted as commemorative coins, the advertisements have generated confusion among consumers who believe the colorized coins are genuine commemorative coins produced by the United States Mint. Other advertisements include colorized Eisenhower dollar coins and American Eagle silver bullion coins paying homage to the U.S. armed forces in Iraq. Only the United States Congress may direct the minting of an official, legal tender U.S. commemorative coin whose proceeds may be used to assist a particular cause or organization. The United States Mint encourages the public to support and honor the U.S. military in any way they can. We merely urge consumers who are considering the purchase of these items to be aware that they are not genuine United States Mint commemorative coins, but instead privately colorized U.S. coins that the U.S. Government neither endorses nor sponsors. Columbia Space Shuttle Commemorative Products
Since February 1, 2003, a number of private firms have been marketing medallions and other coin-related products in remembrance of the Columbia Space Shuttle and that day's tragic events. The United States Mint has received calls indicating that these products are confusing to consumers-many of whom believe that these items are legal tender coins colorized by the United States Mint, U.S. commemorative coins, or United States Mint official medals. Under law, only Congress can direct the minting of an official, legal tender U.S. commemorative coin or official United States Mint medal whose proceeds may be used to assist a particular cause or organization. The United States Mint encourages the public to remember and honor the Columbia Space Shuttle and its crew in any way they can. We merely urge consumers who are considering the purchase of a medallion or coin-related item in their memory to be aware that they are not genuine United States Mint commemorative coins or medals, but privately manufactured medallions or privately colorized U.S. coins that the U.S. Government neither endorses nor sponsors. Coin Confusion Clarified In a victory for coin collectors across America, the United States Mint today announced a historic settlement in which the defendant, Washington Mint, LLC, a private mint located in Minnesota, must serve notice to customers, helping them distinguish between genuine United States coins and privately- produced coin replicas. "This historic settlement affirms the United States Mint's commitment to protect and inform its customers, to educate consumers across the nation, and to safeguard the United States Mint's reputation for producing the highest quality coins and products," said United States Mint Director Henrietta Holsman Fore. In the agreement, the Justice Department settled all of the United States Mint’s trademark and false advertising claims against the Washington Mint. The settlement marks the end of three years of litigation in which the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota found the Washington Mint, a private company specializing in medallions and collectables, liable for infringing the United States Mint's trademark and for engaging in false and deceptive advertising. As part of the agreement, Washington Mint must assist the United States Mint in its efforts to eliminate existing confusion in the marketplace. The Washington Mint has agreed to serve a consumer awareness notice to its customers of U.S. coins and replicas of U.S. coins since January 1, 2000, providing information that will assist customers in distinguishing genuine United States coins from privately produced look-alikes or replicas. The notice is also intended to help eliminate confusion in the minds of consumers by more clearly identifying the Washington Mint as a private company, not associated in any way with the United States Mint. Under the United States Constitution and federal law, Congress has established the United States Mint as the only entity authorized to produce genuine, legal tender United States coins. "Elvis Presley® 25th Anniversary Tennessee The United States Mint has received inquiries regarding the "Elvis Presley® 25th Anniversary Tennessee State Quarter Tribute," now available in the collector's market. The colorized quarters are not sponsored or endorsed by the United States Government. The inquiries appear to stem from recent newspaper advertisements from the International Collectors Society, a commercial business operating in Owings Mills, Maryland. Consumers should know that the International Collectors Society is a business not affiliated or connected in any way with the United States Mint or the United States Government. The United States Mint receives frequent inquiries from the public concerning its position on the industry practice of superimposing images of prominent public figures on genuine U.S. coins, such as the "Elvis Presley® 25th Anniversary Tennessee State Quarter Tribute," featured here. The United States Mint does not encourage, endorse or sponsor products that alter the fundamental images depicted on its coins. A superimposed design is entirely different than the coin's original image and almost obliterates the coin's organic design. Altering United States Mint coins this way may heighten the concerns of people who regard the images and designs on our Nation's coinage as sacrosanct. Indeed, Congress itself mandates by statute the design themes and inscriptions that appear on a particular coin. In this case, the International Collectors Society is superimposing an image of Elvis Presley® on the obverse of a quarter dollar coin that Congress directed the United States Mint to produce with a portrait of George Washington for the purpose of commemorating the two hundredth anniversary of the birth of George Washington in 1931. September 11 Commemorative Products
Since September 11, 2001, a number of private firms have been marketing medallions and other coin-related products in remembrance of that day's tragic events. The United States Mint has received calls indicating that these products are confusing to consumers - many of whom believe that these items are legal tender coins colorized by the United States Mint, U.S. commemorative coins, or United States Mint official medals. Under law, only Congress can direct the minting of an official, legal tender U.S. commemorative coin or official United States Mint medal whose proceeds may be used to assist a particular cause or organization. Although the United States Mint is aware that Congress is considering such action, at this time, Congress has not authorized the United States Mint to produce an official coin or medal related to the September 11 events. The United States Mint encourages the public to support recovery efforts. We merely urge consumers who are considering the purchase of a medallion or coin-related item pertaining to the events of September 11 to be aware that they are not genuine United States Mint commemorative coins or medals, but privately manufactured medallions or privately colorized U.S. coins that the U.S. Government neither endorses nor sponsors. American Buffalo Commemorative Coin
The United States Mint has received numerous inquiries regarding replicas of the new American Buffalo Commemorative Silver Dollar now available in the collectors market. The replicas are not genuine U.S. coins and are not sponsored or endorsed by the United States Government. The majority of inquiries appear to stem from advertisements by the National Collector's Mint, Inc., a business hosting a mail drop in Washington, DC. Consumers should know that the National Collector's Mint, Inc. is a business not affiliated with the United States Mint, or the U.S. Government. If you are unsure whether the product you have purchased from a business is an genuine United States Mint American Buffalo Commemorative Silver Dollar, you should note that the genuine coin features the year (2001) and artist's initial ("F" for "Fraser") on the obverse and the denomination (One Dollar) and mint mark ("P" for "Philadelphia") on the reverse. The National Collector's Mint, Inc. 3 ½ inch replica features the words "Giant Buffalo Proof." For additional information, please visit the United States Mint's Pressroom. For more tips on identifying the differences between genuine U.S. coins and replicas, please visit Tips on Identifying U.S. Coins |
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Nov 13, 2008 |