Considering the originals were pattern coins never released for circulation, and thus never legal tender, and these modern fantasies (at least the nickel version, anyway) is of a metallic composition the originals were never struck in (to my knowledge), would the Hobby Protection Act still apply?
My high bid was $12 for the nickel and $10 for the copper. As stated earlier, I planned on getting outbid but wouldn't be upset if I didn't. These are not illegal and are completely compliant with the hobby protection act. Z
Good grief! If you think Brie stinks, what do you think of Roquefort or, say Gorgonzola? And for the really heroic, there’s Limburger. Now, THAT stinks! D.
The HPA does not limit itself to legal tender coins. It specifies "imitation numismatic items." As a genuine pattern is definitely a "numismatic item," and this is an "imitation" of it, this is an "imitation numismatic item." Since it is not incused with the word COPY according to the specifications for that marking, it is ILLEGAL!
OK, I could not see the word COPY on the original pictures. The stamps may not meet the depth requirements of the HPA, but I will give these a pass for the effort.
The Smithsonian made or sponsored them. I have a copper. I think it is beautiful. You have a knock-off because it says "copy." The Smithsonian version has their logo imprinted much like the US Mint stamps the v75s.