18 U.S.C. § 487 – Making or Possessing Counterfeit Dies for U.S. Coins
This law makes it a federal crime to create or possess counterfeit dies, hubs, or molds used to make U.S. coins.
This statute targets the tools used to manufacture counterfeit U.S. coinage. It applies to dies, hubs, or molds made from any material, including steel, plaster, or other substances, when they are designed to replicate genuine U.S. coin dies.
The law focuses on unauthorized possession or creation of these tools, even if no counterfeit coins are ultimately produced.
What the law prohibits.
A person violates this statute if they knowingly and without lawful authority:
- Make or engrave a die, hub, or mold in the likeness of a genuine U.S. coin die
- Create any part of such a die, hub, or mold
- Possess or control a counterfeit die, hub, or mold
- Permit such a tool to be used in counterfeiting U.S. coins
This statute applies to tools intended for coins made of gold, silver, nickel, bronze, copper, or other metals coined by the United States.
Penalties.
A conviction under this statute can result in a fine, up to 15 years in federal prison, or both.
If you’re facing federal charges involving counterfeit coin dies or molds, call (314) 900-HELP or contact our criminal defense attorneys to discuss your options.
