Consumer Issues
Hot Items
Information about products, plus other coin-related issues that may be of interest to our customers and to the general public.
Federal Regulation
The United States Mint issued a final regulation, effective November 26, 2007, to help protect consumers and the coin-collecting hobby from the misuse of the Agency's names, emblems and symbols, as well as those of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The new regulation, approved by the Treasury Department, authorizes the United States Mint to assess civil fines against companies or individuals who misuse the Department of the Treasury's and the United States Mint's names and emblems in advertising, solicitations, business activities or products to convey a false impression of sponsorship, endorsement or association with the United States Mint or the Treasury Department. The authority for implementing this final rule is Title 31 of the United States Code, Section 333.
The United States Mint now has the authority to impose a civil fine of up to $5,000 against an individual or company for each misleading use of the United States Mint's or the Treasury Department's names, symbols, or emblems. Misuses in broadcasts and telecasts could incur penalties of up to $25,000 for each misuse. The protections of due process in the new regulation include fair notice, an opportunity to respond and present evidence, and the right of appeal to an appropriate Federal District Court.
You can view the Federal Register Notice (PDF) for the Final Rule and the Press Release.