Case library · Forgeries & Fakes
The Private Silver Dollar
United States v. von NotHaus (2011)
Charge: Making and passing coins resembling U.S. money; conspiracyCourt: U.S. District Court, Western District of North CarolinaState: North CarolinaDocket: Forgeries & Fakes
The facts
A man founded a group that wanted to abolish the Federal Reserve. He designed his own silver and gold coins and sold them across the country as a private currency. The coins carried a dollar sign, the word "dollar", the letters "USA", the word "Liberty" and the motto "Trust in God". About seven million dollars' worth were made. He says they were honest, metal-backed money, openly sold and never claimed to be government coins. Federal law bans making coins of original design meant to be used as current money.
You have the facts the court had. Guilty or not guilty? Call it in the game with your friends, then see what the court actually decided. Wrong call, you drink.
Citation: United States v. von NotHaus, No. 5:09-cr-27-RLV (W.D.N.C. 2011)
Read more at archives.fbi.gov. The source reveals the outcome.