Yes, it has ridges.
I had a pic here but the mangled coin might offend coin-collectors... sorry.
I had a pic here but the mangled coin might offend coin-collectors... sorry.
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TDK: Harvey Dent/Two Face's Coin
- Thread starter LewisD
- Start date
tim
Sr Member
"Title 18, Chapter 17, Section 331: Prohibits among
other things, fraudulent alteration and mutilation of coins. This
statue does not, however, prohibit the mutilation of coins if done
without fraudulent intent if the mutilated coins are not used
fraudulently."
Id still just do resin copies to be safe, then its not altering an actual coin.
other things, fraudulent alteration and mutilation of coins. This
statue does not, however, prohibit the mutilation of coins if done
without fraudulent intent if the mutilated coins are not used
fraudulently."
Id still just do resin copies to be safe, then its not altering an actual coin.
The only hole in your logic is that a 1922 peace dollar (depending on condition) is worth $30.
Rik1138
Sr Member
Read the post about 2 or 3 up. It's only illegal to deface currency if it is in attempt to commit fraud. Hacking up a silver dollar to make a replica prop is not fraud. (Even if you try to pass it off as a real prop, it's still not fraud against the US Gov't.)
If it's for artistic/entertainment purposes, there's no problem with it. Especially if you are defacing it in a way that makes it unusable as currency.
BTW, why did you remove your picture of the coin you made? It can't really offend anyone, it's just a scratched coin...
Rik
ah - thats what I thought - I always assumed since you OWN your money, you're free to do what you want with it, as long as you arent trying to fraud or harm anyone (which is true of anything, not just money).
tim
Sr Member
^ Actually, the government owns currency and has the right to reclaim it if it wants to (there have been instances of this in the past). The immediate issue here might be if someone produces a number of these prop replica coins and someone along the line tries to pass it off as "real" money. Those penny smashers generally deform the coin to such a degree that nobody would logically assume it to still be a penny.
I will admit that as a coin collector, I am personally opposed to seeing antique coins destroyed--especially if the desired effect could be achieved through casting--but realize not everyone shares my opinion.
I will admit that as a coin collector, I am personally opposed to seeing antique coins destroyed--especially if the desired effect could be achieved through casting--but realize not everyone shares my opinion.
Contacted my local Secret Service field office, as well as the one based in Los Angeles, and from what they told me, this is doable.
The main problem is that it is technically currency and we are looking at it from that standpoint. If you offer them up sized differently and with the word copy on it somewhere, as well as NO MENTION OF THE USA it shouldn't be a problem.
They suggested following the rules about paper currency where it has to be 3/4 or 1.5x the size of the legal tender, but it was only a recommendation. The biggest "DON'T DO THIS" was the USA on the coin somewhere. I didn't see it on any peace dollar fronts I have seen, so I doubt this would be an issue.
Mainly make DAMNED sure if you do this to make mention of NOVELTY COIN or something in any transaction (paypal, letter written to you if someone pays with a MO), and also DO NOT SELL THESE ON EBAY. No overseas either.
I was looking at doing this before you popped up, and frankly it's easier on me to have you to make them, but I don't mind doing a little legwork on the research side of things.
They mentioned checking out the specific rules and regulations on the engraving and printing area of thier website (which I think you already did).
Now, I am not a lawyer nor do I play one on TV, nor did I sleep in a Holiday Inn last night, but make sure whatever you do you cover your ass.
I think one of the saving graces is that this is a double headed coin, and not a replica of an actual coin (full front and back).
Hope this helps
Chris
The main problem is that it is technically currency and we are looking at it from that standpoint. If you offer them up sized differently and with the word copy on it somewhere, as well as NO MENTION OF THE USA it shouldn't be a problem.
They suggested following the rules about paper currency where it has to be 3/4 or 1.5x the size of the legal tender, but it was only a recommendation. The biggest "DON'T DO THIS" was the USA on the coin somewhere. I didn't see it on any peace dollar fronts I have seen, so I doubt this would be an issue.
Mainly make DAMNED sure if you do this to make mention of NOVELTY COIN or something in any transaction (paypal, letter written to you if someone pays with a MO), and also DO NOT SELL THESE ON EBAY. No overseas either.
I was looking at doing this before you popped up, and frankly it's easier on me to have you to make them, but I don't mind doing a little legwork on the research side of things.
They mentioned checking out the specific rules and regulations on the engraving and printing area of thier website (which I think you already did).
Now, I am not a lawyer nor do I play one on TV, nor did I sleep in a Holiday Inn last night, but make sure whatever you do you cover your ass.
I think one of the saving graces is that this is a double headed coin, and not a replica of an actual coin (full front and back).
Hope this helps
Chris
Thanks Chris, I appreciate it. I got pretty much the same answer, but they also recommended a different size and the COPY stamp to be safe, but that you could probably make it its original size and refer to it as a novelty coin. They said to double check with the US Mint (which i had attempted earlier) but they have no email, and the only availvable phone number is for their orders and customer service. I called and they refered me back to their snail mail address. So I'm sending a letter outlining the project but who knows when I'll get a reply.
tim
Sr Member
Thanks Chris, I appreciate it. I got pretty much the same answer, but they also recommended a different size and the COPY stamp to be safe, but that you could probably make it its original size and refer to it as a novelty coin. They said to double check with the US Mint (which i had attempted earlier) but they have no email, and the only availvable phone number is for their orders and customer service. I called and they refered me back to their snail mail address. So I'm sending a letter outlining the project but who knows when I'll get a reply.
Have you tried contacting the Treasury?
cavedwellar
Sr Member
Holy!:eek
tim
Sr Member
Hey folks! I sorted out the details with the secret service, and I spent the day working on the processes and came up with these...(more details in the junkyard Harvey Dent Two Face's Coin thread)
Let me know what you think!
Those look great! Are they castings or cut-up actual coins (hopefully the former)?
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