Originally Posted by DCfree

First, let me say that I doubt anyone will get prosecuted for this. All things considered it seems like relatively minor stuff.

The issue isn't just the failure to comply with the intended purpose of the program. In buying the coins one affirmatively agrees to comply with the purpose, while arguably having no intent to do so. A material, knowlingly false statement to a government agency is a felony. 18 USC 1001. I don't know the precise legal status of the US Mint within the government, but this seems to fit. Bottom line -- making a false statement to the gov't to get something is a risky endeavor. (And also kind of wrong, no?).