Defacing money law , § 291 (Mar. Nos. 1122). Full value Bank Negara Malaysia will compensate full value to any piece of banknotes, which has minor defacing. Let’s take a closer look at the laws against defacing currency and the laws against destroying currency. Except as specifically authorized by the Secretary of the Treasury (or designee) or as otherwise provided in this part, no person shall export, melt, or treat: (a) Any 5-cent coin of the United States; or (b) Any one-cent coin of the United States. There was only one in the whole of the 20th century, namely the MP for North West Staffordshire, Sir Alfred Billson, who died while voting on a sugar tax in 1907. Code § 333, anyone who “mutilates, cuts, defaces, disfigures, or perforates, or unites or cements together, or does any other thing to any bank bill, draft, note, or other evidence of debt issued by any national banking association, or Federal The money belongs to you and it’s your own money. —Anna Felicia Bajo/VDs, GMA News Aug 20, 2010 · So is it illegal to write on money? Can you deface it without the big bad government sending a helicopter SWAT team to your door? The short answer is: You can write on the edges of money totally legally. The big question is that last phrase that says with intent to render the money unfit for re-issuance. Defacing includes coating the surface of the coin with any sort of material. Code above -- those are laws passed by Congress. What are the rules for destroying coinage? Under Section 10 of the 1971 Coinage Act - No person shall, except under the authority of a licence granted by the Treasury, melt down or break up any metal coin which is for the time being current in the United Kingdom or which, having been current, has at any time after 16th May 1969 ceased to be so. Tracing through this web of statutes, rules and judicial decisions to find the exact constraints imposed by law is not defacing or removing any location stake, corner post, or any other legal land boundary monument. In fact, it is not illegal to destroy money, according to the Currency and Bank Notes Act 1928 - however, it IS illegal to deface a banknote by printing, stamping or writing on it. In the modern regulatory-state, law is more than statutes. For instance, if someone tears or marks up a legal document, they may be defacing that document. Current Regulations. The U. The founders of America put a clause in the constitution that stated that any person found counterfeiting money would be punished. C. Jan 17, 2018 · There’s a law on the books that prescribes a $100 fine or jail time for “whoever mutilates, cuts, defaces, disfigures, or perforates, or unites or cements together” a bank note. Oct 22, 2023 · One question that arises is whether defacing money is a felony. May 31, 2022 · Yes, it is illegal to deface money. That is the technically of the situation, but realistically destroying money won't land you any charges or fines (beyond the fact you just ruined your dollar bill), unless say the destruction of the money leads to other damages, i. To be convicted, you must have the intent to defraud someone. These laws aim to prevent defacing and destroying currency, as such actions can have serious consequences. Most people are familiar with the illegal practice of printing counterfeit money, but that isn’t the only way to devalue U. Words “or Federal Reserve bank, or the Federal Reserve System ” were inserted because the paper of such banks has almost supplanted national bank currency. Under Title 18 U. You could be charged for violating this federal law if you fraudulently deface, mutilate, alter, diminish, impair, scale, or lighten coins. It’s a criminal offence under the Crimes (Currency) Act 1981 to deface or destroy an Australian coin. Look up the law yourself. One reason is that once money is destroyed, the government has to spend money to replace those bills. The law specifically prohibits mutilating, defacing, disfiguring, or destroying currency with the intent to render it unfit for circulation. 4, 1909, ch. Let’s dig in! What the US Law Says about writing on money. This brings up the question of arcade machines often found at attractions such as carnivals, theme parks, and fairs. R. Guidance on coinage and banknote issues - GOV. But why is destroying money taken so seriously? And what are the consequences of breaking the law? Possessing counterfeit currency carries the same maximum prison sentence as actually forging it. [] The Crimes (Currency) Act 1981 provides for a maximum $5000 penalty or two years in jail for wilfully defacing coins or paper money. 321, § 176, 35 Stat. Which laws/ regulations govern destroying or defacing money in the UK? As stated by the Currency and Banknotes Act 1928, defacing a banknote by printing, stamping, or writing is an offence punishable by law. And novelty stuff like that is an exception anyway. Destroying Currency. The US Code, Title 18, Section 333, specifically prohibits altering or defacing US currency. For coins, the jail sentence can be up to five years. coinage: however, there are no sanctions against such activity absent fraudulent intent. This law, known as the "Defacing Current Coins'' clause, specifies that anyone who either defaces a current coin or utters a current coin that's been defaced is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction. 988-4833 and 926-5092. Whoever fraudulently alters, defaces, mutilates, impairs, diminishes, falsifies, scales, or lightens any of the coins coined at the mints of the United States, or any foreign coins which are by law made current or are in actual use or circulation as money within the United States; or. Suppose I took a dollar bill and did this to it: Sep 29, 2016 · A popular pub trivia ‘fact’ says you can be arrested for destroying money in Britain as it’s completely illegal - and even an act of treason. 2. BUT, there is a little more to it than that. The Legal Landscape of Damaged Dollars May 31, 2022 · US laws state that it is illegal to deface or alter currency ‘with the intention to defraud’. Mar 17, 2025 · The short answer is generally no, defacing money is not a felony. This law states: “Whoever mutilates, cuts, defaces, disfigures, or perforates, or unites or cements together, or does any other thing to any bank bill, draft, note, or other evidence of debt issued by any national banking association, or Federal Reserve bank, or the Federal Historical and Revision Notes. As a matter of policy, the Mint does not promote coloring, plating or altering U. § 22-3312. Laws declaring tearing of currency notes as an offence: In India, tearing of currency notes is considered an offence under several laws: Indian Penal Code (IPC), Section 489B[3]: This section deals with intentionally causing damage to a currency note, which is a valuable security under the law. Burning money decreases the wealth of the owner without directly enriching any particular party. Do banks replace damaged money? In what cases is damaging money truly illegal? Why is defacing money illegal? The laws making defacing and debasing currency a crime have their roots in the federal government’s use of precious metals to mint coins. Defacing vs. as well as for possessing coins that you know are altered, defaced, or mutilated. Vague terms like “disfigure” and “deface” have led many on the internet to question the legality of stamping as a result. May 1, 2024 · Intentionally ruining money, such as crumpling, burning, or marking a banknote, is not tolerated, as it can render it unredeemable and decrease the institution’s assets. 2; 4. Every time fake money gets into the market, the currency and the people’s belief in the government becomes devalued. In this article, we will delve into the world of currency law and explore the answer to this question. Money burning or burning money is the purposeful act of destroying money. Laws Against Defacing Currency. UK 11. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Oct 6, 2017 · Any act of desecration of our Philippine currency by mutilating, defacing or burning, should be reported to the nearest police or law enforcement agencies, for appropriate action,” it said May 9, 2005 · Defacement of currency is a violation of Title 18, Section 333 of the United States Code. Jan 2, 2025 · The laws vary from country to country, but generally, the Banking Secrecy Act and Currency Counterfeiting Act regulate the use and alteration of currency. Money is a national symbol, and defacing it can diminish its value and credibility. e setting a bill on fire which in turn lights other objects on fire. The penalty for fraudulently altering coins or knowingly possessing altered coins is up to five years of imprisonment as well as a fine. If you're convicted of defacing U. In the United States, the law prohibiting the mutilation, diminution, perforation, and other harmful states of money comes from Section 333 of Title 18 of the U. 536(2) to trial to trial in provincial court, superior court with a judge-alone (with or without a preliminary inquiry) or superior court with judge-and-jury (with or without a preliminary inquiry). . Probation. Feb 19, 2019 · MANILA, Philippines — Defacing Philippine banknotes is a punishable offense under the law, the Bangko Sentral ng Philippines (BSP) warned the public on Tuesday. Nope. The law clearly states that it is a crime to alter or deface money with the INTENT of causing that bill to be removed from circulation. Money may have the most pragmatic view of all: Maybe it’s better not to know. The same punishment applies if you pass or attempt to pass fake money or export it out of the country. First, coins now contain very little precious metals. Instruments or Materials Making, having or dealing in instruments for counterfeiting. The specific law that prohibits ripping up dollar bills is Title 18, Section 333 of the US Code. Feb 20, 2025 · The British law treats currency destruction seriously, and anyone caught burning or defacing money could face legal action. Second, defacing printed currency in an act of protest is often compared to burning the American flag. Is it illegal to burn money in the UK? but against the law to deface or melt down a coin. Apr 4, 2024 · What does the law say? This sentiment is strengthened by Section 21 of the CBN Act which makes it a crime to tamper with or deface naira notes. Defacing public or private property) does not define “damage” or “deface. e. Under this provision, currency defacement is generally defined as follows: Whoever mutilates, cuts, disfigures, perforates, unites or cements together, or does any other thing to any bank bill, draft, note, or other evidence of debt issued by any national banking association, Federal Reserve Bank, or Feb 13, 2025 · Why Is Defacing Money Illegal? The strict rules around handling currency exist for several reasons: Preserving the Integrity of Currency. 458 Every person who, without lawful justification or excuse, makes, repairs, buys, sells or has in their custody or possession any machine, engine, tool, instrument, material or other thing that they know has been used or is adapted and intended for use in making counterfeit money or counterfeit tokens of Pursuant to the Currency and Banknotes Act 1928 , defacing money (printing or writing on it) is illegal in the UK, although burning money is not a crime. currency. Oct 15, 2012 · According to Title 18, Chapter 17 of the U. The law focuses on protecting the integrity of legal tender. Oct 1, 2014 · U. US Code: According to 18 USC §331, it is illegal to "mutilate, deface, mutilate, impair, diminish, or destroy… any currency… intended for circulation…" Feb 1, 2024 · In ancient Rome, example, penalty defacing money severe—offenders could be sentenced death. 18-4-509 prohibits destroying, defacing, removing or damaging any: The Law Commission’s Statute Law Repeals team came up with only four known examples, two of whom were executed plotters from the Gunpowder Plot, rather than natural deaths. Using naira notes for money bouquet. 1 Prohibitions. As you can see, money is technically not “ours” because it is borrowed from the You can also be charged for defacing or damaging foreign coins that are, by law, made or circulated in the U. Code. One thing I know for sure: not knowing–or caring–is definitely a lot less work. government will replace worn out or damaged money if most of it is still identifiable. Mar 7, 2024 · Tile 18, section 333 of federal law states that dollar bill owners have no right to deface or degrade dollar bills. S. CFR below is Code of Federal Regulations, which are rules which are promulgated by federal agencies, after a period of public comment. Feb 7, 2018 · Here's what the law really says on destroying money. Code Ann. The rationale for this law, which remains on the books, is that defaced banknotes can stay in circulation, whereas burned money would obviously have no value and cannot be used to purchase May 7, 2024 · The Legal Status of Defacing Currency. Feb 4, 2025 · The intentional defacement of money is technically illegal. In Australia, the 1981 Crimes (Currency) act Feb 19, 2019 · The BSP is urging the public to report any information on improper handling of Philippine currency to the nearest police station or law enforcement agency, for appropriate action, or contact the Currency Management Sector for assistance at Tel. § 486, it’s a criminal offense to make or pass any metal coins “intended for use as current money, whether in the resemblance of coins of the United States or of foreign countries, or of original . This statute means that you may be violating the law if you change the appearance of the coin and fraudulently represent it to be other than the altered coin that it is. Code 331, it’s a federal crime to fraudulently Whoever fraudulently alters, defaces, mutilates, impairs, diminishes, falsifies, scales, or lightens any of the coins coined at the mints of the United States, or any foreign coins which are by law made current or are in actual use or circulation as money within the United States; or Nov 30, 2021 · It is not illegal to write on paper currency, however, it is illegal to deface money. However, understanding the nuances of the law surrounding the alteration, mutilation, and defacement of currency requires a deeper dive. Defacing bank notes. Intentional defacing includes adding zeros to a dollar bill to make it appear worth more than it actually is, altering the appearance of paper money so that it cannot be used again, and printing advertisements on money, all of which are prohibited by law. You’ll only be violating the law when you deface currency and render it unusable. Sep 29, 2023 · One such law is the prohibition against destroying or defacing currency. ” Can you write on, stamp or otherwise mark up a 2 dollar bill? How about other currency, like one dollar bills or twenty dollar bills? Learn what you can and Mar 11, 2005 · One big reason the government takes a dim view of destroying or defacing currency is that it has to replace it; it costs money to make money — about a nickel per note. When discussing currency destruction, it is important to differentiate between defacing and destroying currency. But is it illegal? Let’s dive into the world of currency and explore the laws surrounding Apr 3, 2014 · I’ll continue to entreat our nation’s lawmakers to clarify the law they have laid down . Currency Education Program provides public access to education, training, and information about Federal Reserve Notes. There are several reasons why the federal government looks down upon the burning or otherwise defacing U. Jul 18, 2024 · When it comes to United States currency, it’s essential to understand the laws surrounding its use and treatment. Intentionally defacing paper money is illegal even with no intent to commit fraud like misrepresenting value. In the prototypical example, banknotes are destroyed by setting them on fire . 999 Silver Coin Rings; Patriotic Collection; Half Dollar; Quarter Rings; European; Northern America; Dollar Ring Restitution is the money you pay the property owner for the damage you caused. bills or coins, you can face fines, jail time, or both. Offences under s. According to Cornell Law School’s copy of US law: 82. is it legal to draw on money or is it not legal to put graffiti on money? J. Defacing currency, also known as mutilating or tampering with money, is a controversial topic that has sparked debate and legal actions in many countries. In fact, it costs the government about a nickel per note. Their principal goal is to prevent fraudulent use of the money such as changing its face value or bullion weight. 28. Jul 23, 2023 · What the Law Says. This means that finding statutes is often only the first step in determining exactly how law constrains us. A court can also sentence you to probation instead of, or in addition to, your jail sentence and fines. We’re not defacing U. And the demand for dollars Jul 14, 2022 · Counterfeiting has been going on for centuries. 12. (Interesting since they print so much, eh?) And to make sure it’s not wasted or destroyed. As quoted from the Secret Service official website: “Defacement of currency is a violation of Title 18, Section 333 of the United States Code. No person shall without the prior consent of the Bank, wilfully deface, disfigure, or mutilate any bank note; No person who is a party to the defacement, disfigurement or, mutilation of any bank note, shall pay away; or; part with; or; put in circulation; or; demand payment of; or; deposit or offer to deposit in any bank, There’s a provision in the law that states it’s only illegal to deface currency “with the intent to render the bill unfit to be reissued. 72 dated November 29, 1972, the notes and coins issued by the Central Bank shall be fully guaranteed by the Government Feb 17, 2025 · . • To Protect the integrity of the Philippine currency • To promote the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the payment system Core Mandates: BSP: Protector of Currency Integrity The Payments and Currency Investigation Group Laws vary by location, but many places have strict regulations against defacing public and private property to protect the community and maintain order. In the Criminal Code of Canada, it is a criminal offence to deface coins, including burning coins. It Takes Money to Make Money. A lot of people misinterpret a part of United States federal law: United States Code: Title 18 Part 1 Chapter 17, Section 333 Whoever mutilates, cuts, defaces, disfigures, or perforates, or unites or cements together, or does any other thing to any bank bill, draft, note, or other evidence of debt issued by any national banking association, or Federal Reserve bank, or the Federal Reserve Sep 1, 2004 · Guidelines for people considering making coins and tokens for money, or reproducing coins and banknotes. This may sound bizarre but there is a valid reason behind this What the Law States. This article will delve into the origins of these laws and the reasons behind their existence. There is a Defence election of Court under s. UK Cookies on GOV. Code is 18 U. Under Colorado law, a violation of C. If you write a note on a bill with the intent for it to circulate, you have clearly NOT broken the law. Oct 25, 2016 · Have you ever wondered if it is illegal to deface or alter a U. §331 reads: "Whoever fraudulently alters, defaces, mutilates, impairs, diminishes, falsifies, scales or lightens any of the coins coined at the mints of the United States, or any foreign coins which are by law made current or are in actual use or circulation as money within the United States; or whoever fraudulently The law is clear: tampering with US currency is a serious offense. Burning money intending to render it unusable is considered a felony under federal law. Defacing involves altering or marking banknotes or coins without rendering them completely Sep 11, 2019 · The odds of being prosecuted under the federal laws that making burning money or defacing coins, however, are fairly slim. Today, most countries have laws that make it illegal to Mar 26, 2025 · Contact an Experienced Criminal Lawyer for Legal Representation. According to Title 18, Chapter 17 U. Apr 25, 2022 · It is a misdemeanor for anyone to quote, mutilate, cut, deface, disfigure or perforate or unite or cement together or do any other thing with intent to render the money unfit for re-issuance. Are there any laws specifically addressing the defacing of coins? The law against defacing currency applies to both coins and paper money, prohibiting any intentional alterations that affect the coin’s value or appearance. Defacing property, C. One common question is whether it’s illegal to deface American currency. What does the law say? The Federal Reserve Board's U. Is defacing money illegal? WHEREAS, the Central Bank has the sole right and authority to issue currency within the territory of the Philippines under its issue power, and pursuant to Section 54 of Republic Act No. That is why the government has to play a role in protecting the currency’s integrity. Feb 4, 2025 · Laws regarding altering or defacing coins and currency are on the books in nearly all countries. The law prohibits “all intrusions upon another’s property, regardless of motivation, that tangibly alter the appearance of the property. However, the reality is that it is rare to be prosecuted for damaging money. Even though both the Criminal Code and the Currency Act hold that destroying coins is an offence, neither state that mutilating or defacing paper currency is a criminal offence. 18-4-508 is a class 2 misdemeanor carrying: 3 to 12 months in jail and; a fine of up to $1,000. Jun 12, 2023 · All forms of currency in the United States, including bills and coins, are protected by federal law. Nov 23, 2021 · It is, in fact, illegal to deface money, and in this case US dollars to the point that it becomes unusable. At the same time, people may accidentally have their money damaged through accidental events like flooding or fires. “intelligent banknote neutralisation system” or “IBNS” means a security system which is designed to deter unauthorised access to currency notes by mutilating, destroying or permanently damaging the currency notes, such as by the application of a staining or degradation agent to the currency notes or otherwise; It’s a crime to deface coins. bank note? These laws exist in large part to prevent counterfeiters and swindlers from altering money for nefarious purposes. As part of the said mandate to protect the integrity of the currency, the BSP engages in law enforcement operations to combat counterfeiting of Philippine currency banknotes and coins, as well as foreign currencies; and the defacement/mutilation of Philippine currency banknotes and coins. 01 (West 2018) (i. And it’s not the US government’s money. Under this provision, currency defacement is generally defined as follows: Whoever mutilates, cuts, disfigures, perforates, unites or cements together, or does any other thing to any bank bill, draft, note, or other evidence of debt issued by any national banking association, Federal Reserve Bank, or We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Defacement by Laws Sep 7, 2022 · The law clearly lays out the rules about defacing, counterfeiting, or marring in any way both paper currency and coins. 18-4-509. Regardless of how people damage money, they often want to redeem their damaged bills. Can I use ripped dollar bills in art projects or crafts? tl;dr: it's prohibited by regulations, but not by law as stated above. Defacing currency refers to any act that alters or damages the physical appearance of money. For Dec 24, 2024 · Defacing or destruction of written instruments 18–4–508 Defacing, destroying, or removing landmarks, monuments, or accessories 18–4–509 Defacing a cave - definitions 18–4–510 Defacing posted notice 18–4–511 Littering of public or private property - repeal 18–4–512 Abandonment of a motor vehicle 18–4–513 Mar 3, 2016 · Money, money, money The notes in your wallet or purse may feel yours, but they are not, and if you deface them you could find yourself pounds lighter, thanks to the Currency and Bank Notes Act 1928. There are three things you CANNOT do to money: Change the denomination, for example, add zeros to make the value larger; Burn, shred or destroy money ; Advertise a business on money; It is legal to write on the edges or stamp money. , 1940 ed. Jun 13, 2024 · Defacing money, also known as mutilating or altering currency, is a serious offense in many countries. The penalty for defacing, or selling or possessing defaced coins, is a $5000 fine or imprisonment for two years. A money instrument is for circulation, and if no one owns it, no money will circulate. While not a felony in most cases, such actions can carry significant penalties under federal law. 331 defines the federal crime of mutilation, diminution, or falsification of United States coins. We’ll also discuss other things that might or might not be illegal in terms of money usage. No value Bank Negara Malaysia will not compensate any value to any piece of banknote which is defaced in any significant way, for example, markings done on the portrait of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, writing political slogans or using Dec 10, 2024 · The short answer is yes, defacing money can be a felony, but it depends on the value of the currency and the extent of the damage. Code, which sets out crimes related to coins and currency, anyone who “alters, defaces, mutilates, impairs, diminishes, falsifies, scales, or Nov 9, 2023 · 18 U. C. Introduce anti-counterfeiting origins of law in Civil War era. Why is destroying money illegal in America? The laws making defacing and […] We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. The laws that state that money is owned by the people are: WHEREAS, defacing, mutilating, tearing, or partially burning or destroying our currency by any means renders it unfit for circulation, thereby unduly shortening its lifetime, and such acts unfavorably reflect on the discipline of our people and create a bad image for our country; Damien John Lebret pleaded guilty to twice defacing 10 paper money notes with a black felt tip pen before depositing his rent money into an account at ANZ Bank at Kawana Waters last month. Defacing can also apply to documents or items of value. 16. See u/glasswing's comment, which quotes the law. But, they do have regulations to protect the value of the money. These laws aim to prevent the creation and circulation of fake money, ensuring the value and stability of a country’s currency. The Kaman Law Firm specializes in serious and violent felonies (strike offenses) while offering a variety of personalized lawyer services to those persons accused of lesser crimes (aggressive criminal defense lawyer) at all stages of the criminal process, including prefile, arraignment, preliminary hearing, discovery, pretrial motions, trial and writs and appeals. No. Mar 27, 2025 · Defacing Coins in Canadian Law. The origins of laws against destroying currency can be traced back to the Civil War era in the United States. While private individuals rarely face prosecution for burning small amounts of money, high-profile money burning acts, particularly those used for protests or as Oct 4, 2023 · From defacing to burning, any act that destroys the value of the money you have received can be considered a federal crime. However, the enforceability of this offence is up to the police and treasury. Jun 18, 2018 · The D. Two-fifths will earn the bearer half the face value; less than that gets nothing. ” Rather the law enumerates many prohibited actions. 449 [make counterfeit money], 450 [possess counterfeit money], and 452 [utters, uses, sends counterfeit money] are straight indictable. With coins fraud is a necessary part of the crime. For bills, the maximum fine is $100 and the maximum jail sentence is six months. Criminals were known to file down or cut off portions of those coins and keep the slivers for themselves while spending the altered currency. Defacing or destroying current coins or current paper money A person shall not, without the consent, in writing, of an authorised person, intentionally deface, disfigure, mutilate or destroy any coin or paper money that is lawfully current in Australia. Under the US Code, writing on money doesn’t exactly mean you’ll get arrested. currency, we’re decorating dollars! There are three things that you CANNOT do to paper currency: You CANNOT change the denomination — for example, you cannot add two zeros to a one dollar bill and pretend that it’s a one hundred dollar bill. It is also against the law to buy, receive or offer to buy or receive counterfeit money. Penalty: Jan 12, 2024 · Is it illegal to burn money? Yes, in the United States, burning money is illegal and punishable by law. USC is U. This can include tearing, burning, shredding, or any other deliberate action to damage or deface currency. It states that whoever intentionally causes damage Defacement of currency is a violation of Title 18, Section 333 of the United States Code. Dec 9, 2019 · But there is a bigger point, especially for LSE users. 265, otherwise known as the “Central Bank Act,” as amended, by Presidential Decree No. ” Because we want these bills to stay in circulation, it’s legal. Based on title 18, U. The money is in addition to the fine you have to pay, and you usually have to pay enough so the owner can repair or replace the damaged property. conduct searches and seizures in accordance with law for the purpose of maintaining the integrity of the currency”. Is creating a currency illegal? Under 18 U. ywszp tretoj nychmf ufado mbrq wtvazc flppi kaq wzbguz hkgm jbzjq dpfa kubcg qyewo kol