you know how you cant charge people more than what you paid for on tickets... could the government pass a new law stating that you cant charge more for coins than the face value?
People charge more than they paid for tickets all of the time. Heck, they advertise on the media. Scalping at the actual event is different. Think of the economic ramifications if they even THOUGHT about such a move. Coin shops would close, ebay (and others) would falter or fail, TPGs would have no reason to do business AND pay taxes. Our government does some very stupid things but I don't think even THEY are that stupid.
stainless, You seem extremely preoccupied with the face value stamped on coins. I can assure you that it doesn't hold the magic power you suspect.
What the Mint is required to charge for bullion coins is irrelevant to the original question. The answer to that question is "Yes, the government CAN pass such a law", if a majority of Representatives and a majority of Senators and the President all agree; but I stongly suspect the courts would declare it unconstitutional on the grounds that it would take private property (the numismatic premium value of coins in private hands) for public use (the perceived economic benefits of such a stupid law) without just compensation, in violation of the Fifth Amendment to the US Constitution. (And yes, the Fifth Amendment does cover issues other than merely self-incrimination.)
Actually scalping tickets is legal in some states. And what clembo said about the face value - I just can't imagine politicians being that ignorant. And I think ebay would survive with all that other stuff for sale.
Could they ? I suppose. Will they ? Last on my list of concerns, right after being hit by Halley's Comet. Not something I would remotely consider.
Well, think of who the biggest loser would be if such a law passed....the US Mint. They routinely sell coins at 40-50 times face value. Unless they plan on giving the one ounce AGE's a face value equal to their worth in bullion, I don't see there being any chance such legislation would even be considered. Guy~
