§471. Obligations or securities of United States

Whoever, with intent to defraud, falsely makes, forges, counterfeits, or alters any obligation or other security of the United States, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both.

(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 705; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, §330016(1)(K), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147; Pub. L. 107–56, title III, §374(b), Oct. 26, 2001, 115 Stat. 340.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., §262 (Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 321, §148, 35 Stat. 1115).

Mandatory punishment provision was rephrased in the alternative.

Changes in phraseology were made.

Amendments

2001—Pub. L. 107–56 substituted “20 years” for “fifteen years”.

1994—Pub. L. 103–322 substituted “fined under this title” for “fined not more than $5,000”.