Coinage Act, 1950

Prohibition on melting down, etc., of coins.

19.—(1) It shall not be lawful for any person (other than the Central Bank) except under and in pursuance of a licence issued by the Minister, to melt down, break up or use otherwise than as currency any coin which is for the time being current in the State or in any other country.

(2) If any person—

(a) acts in contravention of this section, or

(b) fails to comply with any condition attached to a licence granted under this section,

he shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding one hundred pounds or, at the discretion of the Court to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both such fine and imprisonment and, in addition to any other punishment, the Court may order the articles in respect of which the offence was committed to be forfeited.