Lessons in Real Money: Hurricanes to Increase “Mutilated Currency” Claims
‘Cause hey, they just print it up anyway. Here’s what to do if you have mutilated currency, just understand that it makes this whole fiat dollar system seem cheap and dirty…
The BEP is out with a press release. This may be a way to teach people about what real money is and what real money is not.
from Bureau of Engraving and Printing
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Regardless of the condition of the currency, do not disturb the fragments any more than absolutely necessary.
If the currency is brittle or inclined to fall apart, pack it carefully in plastic and cotton without disturbing the fragments and place the package in a secure container.
If the currency was mutilated in a purse, box, or other container, it should be left in the container to protect the fragments from further damage.
If it is absolutely necessary to remove the fragments from the container, send the container along with the currency and any other contents that may have currency fragments attached.
If the currency was flat when mutilated, do not roll, fold, laminate, tape, glue or in any other way alter the currency in an attempt to preserve it.
If the currency was in a roll when mutilated, do not attempt to unroll or straighten it out.
If coin or any other metal is mixed with the currency, carefully remove it. Do not send coin or other metal in the same package with mutilated paper currency, as the metal will break up the currency. Any fused, melted, or otherwise mutilated coin should be sent to the United States Mint for evaluation.
Claim Processing
Each case is carefully examined by an experienced mutilated currency examiner. The amount of time needed to process each case varies with its complexity and the case workload of the examiner. Standard claims can generally take from six months to 36 months to process depending on the condition of the currency.
The BEP is experiencing a high volume of mutilated currency claims. Thank you for your patience as each examiner carefully processes each claim. Every effort will be made to return calls and emails regarding claims within 48 hours. If you utilize caller ID for incoming calls, please note that government phone numbers are not identified for security reasons.
The Director of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing has the final authority for the settlement of mutilated currency claims.
Notice
The Director may provide information pertaining to any mutilated currency submission to law enforcement officials or other third parties for purposes of investigation of related criminal activity or for purposes of seeking a civil judgment;
Whoever mutilates currency with the intent to render it unfit to be reissued may be fined and/or imprisoned. 18 U.S.C. 333;
Just a reminder what real “currency” should be: