Defacing money law. Deliberate damage of banknotes.

Defacing money law. Is there any law against melting or altering coins. That is to say, burning money may be considered protected speech under the U. 13) is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom relating to banknotes. Aug 7, 2025 · What Are the Penalties for Vandalism? In general, vandalism is not a serious crime unless the property destroyed is worth a lot of money. 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. 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. Can you legally draw on a dollar bill? § 331. C. We've all seen a dollar bill with someone's name written on it or a doodle of some kind. Many people assume that writing on paper money is inappropriate. So, is it illegal to write or draw on money? It is, in fact, illegal to deface money, and in this case US dollars to the point that it becomes unusable. Any form of defacement or alteration of legal tender is considered a violation of federal law. The focus of this article is paper money, or currency. In this article, we’ll dive into what the law says about writing on money and whether it’s completely legal to do so. Mar 1, 2025 · Is It A Crime To Destroy Money? Yes, it is generally illegal to destroy or deface money in the U. The punishment includes a fine, imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. Maybe you too had assumed Cut Coin Jewelry is considered the defacing of the coin, and thus illegal to do so. Code, Section 333 prohibits the defacement of U. What's illegal is to deface currency with the intent to defraud somebody. Silver Dollar Coin?" "You can get in trouble for defacing money!" I hear questions and comments like these every so often after someone sees cut out coins for jewelry. We reveal seven obscure laws you could fall foul of. Turns out you can't write on the main part of money, but it's totally legal to write on the edges. 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. Second, defacing printed currency in an act of protest is often compared to burning the American flag. Dec 10, 2024 · Defacing money, also known as mutilating or destroying US currency, is a federal offense in the United States. Title 18, Section 333 of the United States Code prohibits the act of defacing currency as a violation of federal law. How much is a $1 000 bill worth? You can expect notes that are heavily circulated to be worth anywhere between Mar 3, 2016 · Since King John signed the Magna Carta back in 1215 all manner of laws have slipped onto the statute books. , it’s rare for anyone to be prosecuted for defacing money unless an intent to defraud can be shown. ELI5: If it's illegal to deface US currency, what's with those penny squashers? Sep 9, 2025 · THE MICHIGAN PENAL CODE (EXCERPT) Act 328 of 1931 750. We’ll also Apr 2, 2024 · Defacing property is a serious offense in Florida, encompassing various acts that alter or vandalize the appearance of another person's property. Is it illegal to deface US currency? Defacing money is often seen as a felony that carries fines or other consequences. Writing on money isn’t necessarily illegal, but there are restrictions in place to keep the money circulating. Oct 29, 2024 · The short answer is yes, it is illegal to stamp money. as it violates federal law. Apr 3, 2014 · The law says that you cannot deface a banknote if your intent is to render it unfit for circulation. Mar 22, 2018 · Maybe you too had assumed Cut Coin Jewelry is considered the defacing of the coin, and thus illegal to do so. I expressed some concern, since it's my understanding defacing money is a crime: Defacement of currency is a violation of Title 18, Section 333 of the United States Code. If caught, offenders can face up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. However, it is legal to We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Oct 1, 2014 · "Isn’t that illegal to cut out a U. It's illegal to intentionally deface a piece of paper currency, but it's only illegal to deface coins with the intent to commit fraud (e. Debasement of coins; alteration of official scales, or embezzlement of metals § 333. The US Code, Title 18, Section 333, specifically prohibits altering or defacing US currency. Jul 25, 2025 · Title 18, U. Sep 7, 2025 · Ripping money is illegal in Australia. May 9, 2005 · I was always told it was against the law to deface money. 5. Constitution's First Amendment. . Under Title 18 U. 2d at 785. 331 defines the federal crime of mutilation, diminution, or falsification of United States coins. If a bank says it doesn’t accept torn notes, the Federal Reserve instructs it to take them. Section 331 covers the mutilation, diminution, or falsification of coins. This is according to the Currency and Bank Notes Act 1928, which makes it an offence to deface a banknote in any way. If you can do something to paper money you can likely do it, and more, with coins. Furthermore, any damage … Drawing/painting on US currency? I just saw this Draw with Jazza video and he claimed that defacing currency was illegal, which is why he used US currency in Australia. The law focuses on protecting the integrity of legal tender. The question is: is it a felony or not? Toggle Direct Answer: It Depends Acts of Defacement Jurisdiction and Enforcement Rationale Behind the Law Sep 11, 2019 · The odds of being prosecuted under the federal laws that making burning money or defacing coins, however, are fairly slim. Mutilation, diminution, and falsification of coins § 332. Many acts of vandalism are misdemeanors, meaning the maximum penalties include fines and up to a year in the local jail. 247 July 18, 1973 PROHIBITING AND PENALIZING DEFACEMENT, MUTILATION, TEARING, BURNING OR DESTRUCTION OF CENTRAL BANK NOTES AND COINS. Feb 20, 2025 · The British law treats currency destruction seriously, and anyone caught burning or defacing money could face legal action. plating a quarter in copper to pass it off as a gold-colored dollar). Burn Your Money, an interactive artwork at Center Camp, Burning Man, was later burned at the Burn Wall Street artwork on the playa. It also reduces Under Colorado law, defacing or destroying written instruments, landmarks, or other property is a criminal offense carrying jails, fines, and restitution. Those are usually considered government property. Legal Terms Dictionary deface - Meaning in Law and Legal Documents, Examples and FAQs Deface means to damage or ruin the appearance of something, like vandalizing a wall or scratching a car. Is it a crime to burn money? Business answer desk kids is really illegal damage State of Feb 7, 2018 · Canada has the same law as us, it is legal to burn or destroy paper currency, but against the law to deface or melt down a coin. Sec. Is defacing a coin illegal? Defacing or destroying current coins or current paper money A person shall not, without the consent, in writing, of an authorized person, intentionally deface, disfigure, mutilate or destroy any coin or paper money that is lawfully current in Australia. It’s hard to know how a court would rule on this, though. Counterfeiting or defacing documents -- penalty. Circulation of obligations of expired corporations § 336. § 333, it is a federal offense to mutilate, cut, deface, disfigure, or perforate any banknote or coin of the United States with intent to render such banknote or coin non-current or worthless. Vague terms like “disfigure” and “deface” have led many on the internet to question the legality of stamping as a result. The law aims to prevent counterfeiting and fraudulent activities by ensuring the integrity of US coins and currency. Because we are not defacing to defraud, there is no concern of legality. Know the law and penalties for defacing currency, including the intent to deface and consequences of this criminal act. Ever wondered if that's a crime? KDKA-TV money editor Jon Delano has Defacing or Impairing Clipping and uttering clipped coin 455. However, the enforceability of the punishment depends on its severity and the regulatory departments’ discretion. c. 331, it is illegal to "fraudulently alter, deface, mutilate, impair, diminish, falsify, scale, or lighten" any coins or currency in circulation in the country. In many countries it is illegal to deface or destroy money, but has this law ever been enforced? (note: I'm not asking about counterfeiting) Have there been any notable cases of people being charg Mar 7, 2024 · Tile 18, section 333 of federal law states that dollar bill owners have no right to deface or degrade dollar bills. Get your questions answered about The Stamp Stampede movement. Sep 29, 2023 · If it were permissible to rip or deface bills, it could lead to disputes and disagreements over the value of damaged money. Jun 12, 2023 · All forms of currency in the United States, including bills and coins, are protected by federal law. This statute makes it unlawful to mutilate, cut, deface, disfigure, or perforate currency with the intent to render it unfit for reissuance. The Crimes (Currency) Act 1981 prohibits the deliberate damage or destruction of Australian money, including coins and paper money. So if you’re not trying to commit fraud (like you’re trying to make a penny look like a dime and use it as currency) then you’re in the clear. Jul 10, 2025 · An individual convicted of defacing currency with the intent to make it unfit for reissue faces federal penalties. Currency Federal law permits color illustrations of U. Drawing on money is an illegal activity and carries substantial legal repercussions, depending on the situation. In the United States, for example, it is illegal to deface currency under the Title 18, Section 333 of the United States Code. What does the law say? In regards to defacement, there is a specific law. The Currency and Bank Notes Act 1928[1] (18 & 19 Geo. bills or coins, you can face fines, jail time, or both. 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 System, with intent to render such bank bill, draft, note, or other evidence of debt unfit to be reissued, shall be fined under Dec 9, 2019 · Yes, and no You can't legally destroy banknotes but you can destroy coins. as well as for possessing coins that you know are altered, defaced, or mutilated. But did you know that defacing currency is actually a crime punishable by law? An Act to amend the law relating to the issue of bank notes by the Bank of England and by banks in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and to provide for the transfer to the Bank of England of the currency notes issue and of the assets appropriated for the redemption thereof, and to make certain provisions with respect to gold reserves and otherwise in connection with the matters aforesaid and to Jan 2, 2025 · Conclusion In conclusion, while it is generally illegal to deface money for art, there are exceptions and exemptions to these laws. 377a Willful and malicious destruction of personal property; enhanced sentence. Not coins. Being charged with a criminal offence has many potential consequences, it is in your best interests to hire an experienced lawyer to defend your legal Nov 23, 2021 · Video advice: Is Damaging Money Illegal? But is 13 sep 2016 ‘you’re going to jail for destroying money piers’ a spokeswoman the bank of england said it only illegal deface them. For example, if you decide to draw on a banknote and use it at a store, they could very well refuse your money. You can't take a nickel and whittle it to the size of a dime and put it in a vending machine (for resale as a dime). Nov 23, 2021 · Google’s dictionary of the word defacement is pretty straightforward: To deface means to spoil the surface or appearance of something. United States v. In the prototypical example, banknotes are destroyed by setting them on fire. To be convicted, you must have the intent to defraud someone. So, are you committing a federal crime using a penny-smashing machine around the United States? This section prohibits actual physical damage or destruction of both real and personal property, but mere adverse possession of that property without physical harm is insufficient to violate the law. Most people are familiar with the illegal practice of printing counterfeit money, but that isn’t the only way to devalue U. Dec 7, 2024 · Yes, it is generally considered a crime to deface money in most countries. We are merely making jewelry, not gold plating a nickel and trying to pass it off as a five dollar gold piece, that is illegal (if gold and silver were still considered money by the Government). Avoid using markers that will bleed through the bill, stick to simple designs, and be Defacement of currency is a violation of Title 18, Section 333 of the United States Code. May 31, 2025 · According to 18 U. It is illegal to intentionally alter, deface, mutilate, or destroy any United States currency, including coins and paper money. Code 331, it’s a federal crime to fraudulently The laws against defacing currency vary from country to country, but the underlying principle is to preserve the authenticity and value of the currency. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. In normal language you would also say " damage " instead of " deface " The foundation of federal forfeiture laws lies in their ability to serve as a deterrent against illegal activities such as money laundering, drug trafficking, and counterfeiting. According to 18 U. Under the Crimes (Currency) Act 1981, it is an offence to intentionally deface, disfigure, mutilate, or destroy Australian money without the consent of the Reserve Bank or Treasury. This law applies to both individuals and bodies corporate, with penalties including Frequently asked questions about defacing money, stamps on bills, and constitutional rights. Currency Image Use Permissible Color Illustrations of U. Many of them assume that it’s illegal to write on money — but it’s not. However, this law does not apply to worn or damaged bills that are no… Nov 30, 2021 · 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. Click onto the link below and you will see The key word is fraudulent. Every one who (a) impairs, diminishes or lightens a current gold or silver coin with intent that it should pass for a current gold or silver coin, or (b) utters a coin knowing that it has been impaired, diminished or lightened contrary to paragraph (a), is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not Learn about the laws, consequences, and exceptions related to writing on money. Deliberate damage of banknotes. Sep 29, 2023 · Draw On Dollar Bill – Conclusion Although doodling on paper money may seem like a harmless form of artistic expression, the letter of the law still frowns upon defacing U. bank note? Mar 27, 2025 · Defacing Coins in Canadian Law In the Criminal Code of Canada, it is a criminal offence to deface coins, including burning coins. For coins, the jail sentence can be up to five years. A quick look at the law says this: Defacement of currency is a violation of Title 18, Section 333 of the United States Code. Feb 17, 2025 · Is it illegal to draw on money? Learn the laws around defacing currency, burning money, and selling altered large cent coins. MALACAÑANG M a n i l a PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. That would be fraud. You can't "fraudulently" alter coins but that's not what you were doing; you were doing a science experiment, not committing fraud. Under this provision, currency defacement is generally defined as follows: Whoever Aug 20, 2010 · Let's test if it's illegal to write on money. Coins as security If you want to use Canadian currency for your art project there’s probably a pretty good argument that the law banning defacing currency is in violation of the Charter, particularly if your art is using the currency to further your artistic expression. This is because the law implies the defacement of the currency must be deliberate. Find out if it is illegal, the potential charges, and permissible actions. As a matter of policy, the Mint does not promote coloring, plating or altering U. These strict penalties reflect the government’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and Feb 13, 2025 · Many Kenyans don’t think twice about writing on, folding, or even slightly tearing their money. Jan 19, 2024 · What should I do if I have damaged or mutilated currency? Individuals, financial institutions, and businesses may contact the Department of the Treasury's Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) if they are in possession of mutilated U. Apr 25, 2022 · Can you write, burn, mutilate, cut, deface, disfigure money? Is It Illegal To Deface Money? I will discuss the law and punishment for money defacing. Historically coins and paper currency have developed differently and are regulated by different laws. Now I take it was meant to be paper bills. Nov 9, 2023 · 18 U. So, is it illegal to draw on money? Going by this definition, if you draw or write on money, disfigure it or do anything of the sort, then you are liable to be punished for up to six months with fine. Feb 4, 2025 · In the U. It is an offence under the Crimes (Currency) Act 1981 to intentionally deface, disfigure, mutilate or destroy Australian banknotes without the consent of the Reserve Bank or Treasury. The laws and regulations surrounding currency mutilation, as it is often called, vary from country to country, but the fundamental principle is the same: tampering with or destroying currency is illegal and punishable by law. Jul 23, 2023 · New York Under New York state law, defacing or rendering any bank bill or coin unfit for circulation is considered criminal tampering and can be punished as a Class B misdemeanor offense. coinage: however, there are no sanctions against such activity absent fraudulent intent. [2] We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Feb 7, 2025 · Learn about US currency defacement laws, including penalties for altering or damaging US coins and banknotes. Criminals were known to file down or cut off portions of those coins and keep the slivers for themselves while spending the altered currency. The first three are obvious, and evidence of debt is a written Oct 25, 2016 · While this video may be ridiculously awesome, because Bill Murray is super cool, have you ever wondered if it is illegal to deface or alter a U. Penalties for violating this law can include fines and up to six months in prison. currency. 265, otherwise known as the May 26, 2025 · Section 18-4-508 Defacing, destroying, or removing landmarks, monuments, or accessories Apr 26, 2024 · The act of burning or defacing money in the US is covered under Title 18, Section 333 of the federal law, enacted in 1948. Mutilation, diminution, and falsification of coins 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 You can also be charged for defacing or damaging foreign coins that are, by law, made or circulated in the U. This law specifically applies to bills, as coins are a separate issue. Piers morgan wrongly accused of breaking the law on live tv after legal curiosities fact or fable? Law commission. Whoever fraudulently possesses, passes, utters, publishes, or sells, or attempts to pass, utter, publish, or sell, or brings into the United States, any such coin, knowing the same to be altered, defaced, mutilated, impaired, diminished, falsified, scaled, or lightened— Oct 15, 2012 · According to Title 18, Chapter 17 of the U. Money burning or burning money is the purposeful act of destroying money. S. g. Code, which sets out crimes related to coins and currency, anyone who “alters, defaces, mutilates, impairs, diminishes, falsifies, scales, or Is stamping money illegal? Learn about defacing US currency and get all of the Stamp Stampede questions and answers you need to start spreading the message. First, coins now contain very little precious metals. currency, meaning that the currency has been damaged to the extent that one-half or less of the original note remains, or its condition is such that its value We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. You can also be criminally charged for defacing or damaging foreign coins that 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. 377a. My question is: is it illegal to burn a bill I have a friend who has purchased a stamp with a small, two word message he would like to stamp on small bills, which he would then spend. The law states: "Whoever mutilates, cuts, defaces, disfigures, or perforates, or unites or cements together, or does Why is it illegal to burn money in the US? In this article, you’ll learn about: federal laws about burning money the laws that mention fines and jail time how much you can get fined when you destroy money how much time you can spend in jail a list of things you do with money that are criminal offenses whether burning money is protected by the First Amendment Let’s dig in. Among other things, it makes it a criminal offence to deface a banknote. The law takes a dim view of this, and the penalty can be as high as £200. For bills, the maximum fine is $100 and the maximum jail sentence is six months. Essentially, defacing, mutilating, diminshing, etc is only against the law when it’s fraudulent. Not sure why it's illegal to destroy money, but the reason it's illegal to deface money is because if defaced money was still treated as legal tender it'd make counterfeiting way easier, because you could mask flaws as intentional defacement. Apr 20, 2020 · Basically, the way all the laws read are that it's not illegal to deface currency. This includes writing or drawing on currency, cutting or tearing it, or changing its appearance in any way. So state laws may provide additional penalties beyond federal currency mutilation laws. Sep 11, 2025 · Defacing UK money by printing, stamping or writing on it is illegal While it is not illegal in the UK to destroy a banknote, it is illegal to deface a banknote by printing, stamping or writing on it. 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 The law is clear: tampering with US currency is a serious offense. currency only under the following conditions: The illustration is of a size less than three-fourths or more than one and one-half, in linear dimension, of each part of the item illustrated; The illustration is one-sided; and §331. A money instrument is for circulation, and if no one owns it, no money will circulate. The United States Department of Treasury and the Federal Reserve explicitly state that altering currency in any way that makes it unfit for circulation is against the law. As such destroying/defacing it would be illegal as you are destroying government property. And U. However, a small, tasteful doodle is unlikely to land you in hot water. 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. It states that anyone who mutilates, cuts, defaces, or otherwise damages currency with the intent to make it unfit for reissue could face six months in prison, a fine, or both. The law prohibits the destruction of "bank bill, draft, note, or other evidence of debt": a coin is none of those things. Oct 6, 2017 · The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas yesterday said it would penalize people found willfully defacing, mutilating, tearing, burning or destroying currency notes and coins. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the relevant definitions and statutes, describe the crime, explain the penalties and fines upon conviction, discuss the criminal case process, and underscore the critical importance of legal Jul 7, 2022 · The laws making defacing and debasing currency a crime have their roots in the federal government’s use of precious metals to mint coins. Federal law seems to suggest defacing currency in a manner that is minor in nature and does not render the paper note unfit for circulation, or defacement that is accidental does not rise to the level of a punishable crime. law specifies that only coins and currency in current circulation come under the defacement provisions, so you’re free to do what you wish with discontinued cash—subject to other laws against illegal activities, of course. Many artists and activists have successfully created remarkable art pieces using defaced money, but it is crucial to do so legally and ethically. The starting point is Title 18 Section 333 of the United States Code. Jenkins, supra, 554 F. You could be charged for violating this federal law if you fraudulently deface, mutilate, alter, diminish, impair, scale, or lighten coins. These laws empower law enforcement agencies to take decisive action against criminal operations by targeting their financial underpinnings. Section 1361 is a specific intent crime, see United States v. Issuance of Federal Reserve or national bank notes § 335. When it comes to bills and coins you don't "technically" own it. If you're convicted of defacing U. As quoted from the Secret Service official website: “Defacement of currency is a violation of Title 18, Section 333 of the United States Code. In the case of currency, the following acts constitutes defacing money: mutilating cutting defacing disfiguring perforating cementing together What is the meaning of burning money? Sep 5, 2025 · Defacing Australian money is illegal unless you have a reasonable excuse Defacing currency is generally illegal in Australia. Jun 13, 2024 · Defacing money is a serious offense. Jul 21, 2025 · Contact an Experienced Criminal Lawyer for Legal Representation 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. statute provided that the alteration to the coin is not done with fraudulent intent. Intentionally drawing or writing on paper currency is considered defacement, which is a felony offense under federal law. The laws for currency are more restrictive than for coins. Oct 25, 2022 · Now, there might be some supplemental penalties for defacing money that might not necessarily be criminal punishments. Nov 7, 2024 · Legal Consequences of Defacing Currency Vandalizing money, also known as defacing currency, is a federal crime in the United States. Keywords: money bouquet legality, defacing money laws, side hustle controversies, crafting with cash, creative money gifts, legal issues with money bouquets, money art discussion, jail for money crafts, money bouquet setup, understanding money defacement This information is AI generated and may return results that are not relevant. 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 Sep 3, 2025 · In Australia, it is illegal to deface or destroy currency without permission from the Reserve Bank or Treasury. Burning money decreases the wealth of the owner without directly enriching any particular party. Rest assured the cut coins you see here on ebay and ebay express, such as cut-coin money clips or state quarter charm pendants do not violate any U. Mar 11, 2005 · Q: I know it is illegal to deface and/or damage money with the intent to defraud or to force the government to replace the damaged bills with new ones. However, vandalism that results in serious damage to valuable property is a felony. The penalty for defacing, selling, or possessing defaced What is the punishment for defacing money in the UK? The UK government considers defacing money a crime against the queen, regarded as treason, and the culprit is liable for conviction to penalty. Our intent, they say, is to have the bills circulate as much as possible so clearly we’re legal. Issuance of circulating obligations of less than $1 § 337. While this may seem like a harmless act, it can have serious consequences. By enforcing laws against damaging currency, the government establishes a clear standard for the condition of money, ensuring that it remains universally accepted as a means of exchange. Even though you have earned it, you don’t own them. (1) A person commits the offense of counterfeiting or defacing a document when the person purposely or knowingly counterfeits, alters, or wrongfully displays a seal, decal, license, identification number or device, or other document issued by the department. Mutilation of national bank obligations § 334. For Jan 12, 2024 · What is considered defacing money? To deface something means to spoil the surface of the thing to mar its appearance, make it invalid or to devalue it. Quick Summary: Yes, it is illegal to burn money in the United States. This law covers current and historical currency, and even extends to writing on a banknote. yqaragr ntly fxeok gphuju cgs jjpclxv zvrik vjdswoj ukommr hbtet