The United States Mint wants to alert consumers and the public about a new product being marketed by a private firm -- the National Collector's Mint, Inc. The National Collector's Mint, Inc. advertises this product as a "Freedom Tower Silver Dollar" originating from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and claims that it is a "legally authorized government issue" coin. On October 13, 2004, the New York Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order against the National Collector?s Mint, Inc., immediately halting the advertisement and sale of the "Freedom Tower Silver Dollar." Consumers who have questions or concerns about the "Freedom Tower Silver Dollar" can contact the New York Attorney General?s Office at www.oag.state.ny.us or by calling the Attorney General?s consumer help line at (800) 771-7755 (in-state) or (518) 474-5481 (out-of-state).

The "Freedom Tower Silver Dollar" is not a genuine United States Mint coin or medal. Under the Constitution, Congress has the exclusive power to coin money of the United States. Congress has delegated its authority to mint and issue coins to the Secretary of Treasury, and Congress requires the Secretary to carry out these duties at the United States Mint. Thus, the United States Mint is the only government entity in the United States with the authority to coin money. Clearly, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, a U.S. insular possession, does not have the authority to coin its own money.

Consumers may find the advertisements for this product confusing because the National Collector's Mint uses phrases such as "legally authorized government issue," "U.S. territorial minting," and "silver dollar." The product itself may be confusing because it bears the denomination "One Dollar" and the inscription "In God We Trust," which Congress requires on all United States coins. Congress did not authorize the National Collector's Mint product, and the United States Government does not endorse it.