WASHINGTON, D.C. - The United States Mint is offering a refund of $130 to persons who own the 2004 United States Mint Lewis and Clark Coin and Pouch Set, if the pouch was produced by the Shawnee Nation United Remnant Band of Ohio. The United States Mint has learned that neither state nor Federal authorities recognize the Shawnee Nation United Remnant Band of Ohio as an official Indian tribe. Therefore, the pouch is not an authentic American Indian arts and crafts product.

The names of the various artisans and their tribes who crafted the pouches for the United States Mint are identified in certificates of authenticity (COA) accompanying the pouch sets. Owners may ascertain whether their pouch set was crafted by the Shawnee Nation United Remnant Band of Ohio by referring to the COA.

“Americans place their trust in genuine United States Mint products that embody the American spirit,” said United States Mint Director Ed Moy. “The United States Mint wants to uphold that trust, and upon learning this new information, we are offering this refund.” (more…)

WASHINGTON - The United States Mint is issuing a final regulation to help protect consumers and the coin-collecting hobby from the misuse of the Agency’s names, emblems and symbols, as well as those of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The new regulation, approved by the Treasury Department, authorizes the United States Mint to assess civil fines against companies or individuals who misuse the Department of the Treasury’s and the United States Mint’s names and emblems in advertising, solicitations, business activities or products to convey a false impression of sponsorship, endorsement or association with the United States Mint or the Treasury Department.

“This regulation will not affect the vast majority of individuals and businesses selling coins or coin products,” said United States Mint Director Ed Moy. “The rule will create a higher level of consumer awareness, by defending the integrity of the United States Mint’s names, emblems, and symbols.” (more…)