18 U.S.C. § 485 – Counterfeiting or Dealing in Coins or Bars
This law makes it a federal crime to counterfeit, possess, or circulate certain coins or metal bars.
This statute applies to counterfeit coins and bars involving U.S. currency and certain foreign coins that are current or actually circulating as money within the United States. It covers both the creation of counterfeit items and their movement into circulation.
What the law prohibits.
A person violates this statute if they knowingly:
- Falsely make, forge, or counterfeit any U.S. coin with a denomination greater than five cents
- Counterfeit any gold or silver bar coined or stamped by a U.S. mint or assay office
- Counterfeit a foreign gold or silver coin that is current or circulating as money in the United States
A person also violates this statute if they knowingly and with intent to defraud:
- Pass, utter, publish, sell, or possess counterfeit coins or bars
- Bring counterfeit coins or bars into the United States
- Attempt to commit any of the above acts
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 coins or metal bars, call (314) 900-HELP or contact our criminal defense attorneys to discuss your options.
