Why wasn't this artist arrested for making multiple counterfeit U.S. cents?

We are at the same point of contention as always. There is a distinction between striking a known coin type on a virgin blank (and deceptively marketing it) versus over-striking (altering) an existing genuine coin for novelty purposes. You may dismiss that distinction, but it still exists nonetheless.

The Committee was fully aware of the altering of genuine coins to add fantasy elements, and the only Committee statement regarding the alteration of US Coins was: "By contrast, the federal statute prohibiting the alteration of U.S. coins requires fraudulent intent. 18 U.S.C. 331. Accordingly, the Commission finds no grounds to adopt a rule banning fantasy coins." As I stated previously, this indicates that altering US coins is ok if not done with fraudulent intent. The Committee did not indicate that a genuine coin with a counter-stamp, for example, must be marked "COPY".

A genuine coin that is altered to have fantasy elements is not a copy of an "original numismatic item". The "Carr" over-strike "1964-D" Peace dollars have been out for 8 years now. Based on market acceptance, resale prices, and high-level collectors acquiring them, they have achieved the status of an "original numismatic item" in their own right. Other (non-Carr) "1964" Peace dollars have not achieved any sort of brand recognition.

 

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Well I appreciate the heads up on this 1970 cent piece Daniel!! I'll keep an eye out for it as you never know when you'll run across a true counterfeit!

 

The passion for striking coins sure must overcome the legal fees, I like your work, and looking forward to what's next.

 

And yet a private company issues the currency of the United States of America, and banks and credit card companies issue money faster than the BEP could print it.

 

And eBay is still the biggest fence of illegal counterfeit coins in the world, and the Secret Service could care less. The Chinese, Eastern Europeans and Russians must send Christmas cards to the CEO of sleezebay annually. And as long as sleezebay can keep taking their cut, they are more than happy to turn a blind eye.