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msasaki msasaki
 
February 06, 2009 12:53 AM

Is it illegal to write on paper money?

It's "common knowledge" that writing on money is illegal, however lots of people do it and I've gotten money from banks with things written on it.
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ssharon ssharon
 
 February 06, 2009 05:03 AM
I was just reading the site that @spoon linked to and I think it will answer your question only if you read it carefully. The key phrase that I noticed is "with intent to render such item(s) unfit to be reissued." This explains why people can write on money without being prosecuted. Most people don't have the intent element of this crime.

I am going to see if I can find any cases that put my interpretation of the statute to the test. I am also curious if "writing" on currency with counterfeit detection pens would be problematic if you don't really need any intent to do damage.


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spoon spoon
 
February 06, 2009 01:02 AM
The treasury department actually explains what is considered Defacing of currency on their site:

http://www.bep.treas.gov/document.cfm/18/104

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msasaki msasaki
 
February 08, 2009 03:47 PM
It looks like writing and tearing, etc., are illegal. It is also looks like it is illegal to tape together a torn bill. Is this just like jay walking where it is almost never enforced? I've seen bills that have been written on, torn and taped backed together, etc. People also flatten coins and there are machines available at scenic locations wheree they flatten coins and then emboss them with the scenee.

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matblackex... matblackex...
 
February 06, 2009 03:47 AM
In Australia we have plastic money so if you do you can just rub it off. The only problem is that it shrinks with heat so you have cute little $10 bills LOL

But Spoon is correct it is considered Defacing and you can be charged.

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mnlakeplac... mnlakeplac...
 
February 08, 2009 02:19 AM
yes cant write on it burn it or rip it up.
Source(s):
http://www.mnlakeplace.com


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amit87 amit87
 
June 22, 2009 08:28 AM
it is not legal because paper money its currency and if you writing on this means r u making currency loss means after all you cant compare paper money with compare to plastic money and one more another thing is that on every currency money there is lots of prestigious symbol of nation and when you wring on this means your insulting nation also .

Tags: money, paper

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