Mormon gold coin replicas and Hobby Protection Act

WillieBoyd2

I bought this replica/copy of a Mormon $20 gold coin in 2007 on Ebay.



It is not marked "COPY" anywhere.

I looked on Google for "Hobby Protection Act Mormon Coin replica",
and found some online stores selling replicas, including one similar to mine.

One online store appeared to be connected to the Latter Day Saints (Mormon) church.

Are these replicas exempt from the Hobby Protection Act for some reason?

Placid

I know they used to sell replica Brasher Doubloon coins at the smithsonian gift shop.
My guess is things that are not us mint products are ok?

Zoins

My understanding of the HPA is that it allows the original issuer to issue subsequent versions without COPY.

If the issuer of the original Mormon gold pieces also approved the modern day versions, then perhaps no COPY is needed.

This could be similar to how the modern day Paris Mint Libertas Americana medals can be imported into the US without COPY.

crypto79

Can a replica religion really have replica coins. Pretty sure they were just re-purposed California gold that was given to them by members which they then turned around and claimed was local holy gold and made under weight coins with it. Sounds to me like the real thing is as illegitimate as the modern ones just older. They're more like tokens than currency and I am not sure if tokens are covered under the protection act.

Zoins

Tokens are covered in the HPA Sec. 304.1(f):

<< <i>Original numismatic item means anything which has been a part of a coinage or issue which has been used in exchange or has been used to commemorate a person, object, place, or event. Such term includes coins, tokens, paper money, and commemorative medals. >>

crypto79

<< <i>Tokens are covered in the HPA Sec. 304.1(f):

<< <i>Original numismatic item means anything which has been a part of a coinage or issue which has been used in exchange or has been used to commemorate a person, object, place, or event. Such term includes coins, tokens, paper money, and commemorative medals. >>

>>



Fair enough and good to know, thanks. Then with that broad coverage the item above is a blatant fake but I am not sure it was made to deceive as it isn't close.

CaptHenway

<< <i>Tokens are covered in the HPA Sec. 304.1(f):

<< <i>Original numismatic item means anything which has been a part of a coinage or issue which has been used in exchange or has been used to commemorate a person, object, place, or event. Such term includes coins, tokens, paper money, and commemorative medals. >>

>>



Correct. Imitation numismatic objects are included, whether the original numismatic object was legal tender or not.