§ 490. Minor coins

Whoever falsely makes, forges, or counterfeits any coin in the resemblance or similitude of any of the one-cent and 5-cent coins minted at the mints of the United States; or

Whoever passes, utters, publishes, or sells, or brings into the United States, or possesses any such false, forged, or counterfeited coin, with intent to defraud any person, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.

(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 709; Pub. L. 98–216, § 3(b)(1), Feb. 14, 1984, 98 Stat. 6; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, § 330016(1)(H), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147.) Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., § 278 (Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 321, § 164, 35 Stat. 1119).

Reference to persons causing, procuring, aiding or assisting was omitted as unnecessary as such persons are made principals by section 2 of this title.

Mandatory punishment provision was rephrased in the alternative.

Changes were made in phraseology.

Editorial Notes Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–322 substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $1,000”.

1984—Pub. L. 98–216 substituted “one-cent and 5-cent coins minted” for “minor coins coined”.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Pub. L. 98–216, § 4(c), Feb. 14, 1984, 98 Stat. 7, provided that: “The amendments made by sections 1(3), (4), and (7) and 3(b)(1) of this Act [amending this section and sections 3322, 3528, and 5132 of Title 31, Money and Finance] are effective as of September 13, 1982.”