Us Code § 475 - Imitating obligations or securities; advertisements

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 475 — Imitating obligations or securities; advertisements, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 475. Imitating obligations or securities; advertisements

Whoever designs, engraves, prints, makes, or executes, or utters, issues, distributes, circulates, or uses any business or professional card, notice, placard, circular, handbill, or advertisement in the likeness or similitude of any obligation or security of the United States issued under or authorized by any Act of Congress or writes, prints, or otherwise impresses upon or attaches to any such instrument, obligation, or security, or any coin of the United States, any business or professional card, notice, or advertisement, or any notice or advertisement whatever, shall be fined under this title. Nothing in this section applies to evidence of postage payment approved by the United States Postal Service.

(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 706; July 16, 1951, ch. 226, §2, 65 Stat. 122; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, §330016(1)(G), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147; Pub. L. 109–162, title XI, §1192, Jan. 5, 2006, 119 Stat. 3129.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., §292 (Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 321, §177, 35 Stat. 1122).

Enumeration of obligations of the United States was omitted in view of definition in section 8 of this title.

Changes in phraseology were also made.


Editorial Notes

Amendments

2006—Pub. L. 109–162 inserted at end "Nothing in this section applies to evidence of postage payment approved by the United States Postal Service."

1994—Pub. L. 103–322 substituted "fined under this title" for "fined not more than $500".

1951—Act July 16, 1951, prohibited use of notices or advertising prints or labels on United States coins.

About This Section

18 U.S.C. § 475 is part of Title 18 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 18 U.S.C. § 475. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.

Using This Page

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Sources

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 475

What does United States Code § 475 cover?

Section 475 ("Imitating obligations or securities; advertisements") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 475?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 475" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 475 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.