Federal · Title 15 — Commerce and Trade

15 U.S.C. § 291: Stamping with words “United States assay”, etc., unlawful

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

It is unlawful to stamp gold, silver, or goods containing them with words implying U.S. Government certification of quality when the items are intended for interstate or foreign commerce. Each stamp constitutes a separate offense.

Read the full statutory text

It shall be unlawful for any person, partnership, association, or corporation engaged in commerce among the several States, Territories, District of Columbia, and possessions of the United States, or with any foreign country, to stamp any gold, silver, or goods manufactured therefrom, and which are intended and used in such commerce, with the words “United States assay”, or with any words, phrases, or devices calculated to convey the impression that the United States Government has certified to the fineness or quality of such gold or silver, or of the gold or silver contained in any of the goods manufactured therefrom. Each and every such stamp shall constitute a separate offense.

Verify at the official source: Federal legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.