Whoever, within the United States, with intent to defraud, falsely makes, alters, forges, or counterfeits any bank note or bill issued by a bank or corporation of any foreign country, and intended by the law or usage of such foreign country to circulate as money, such bank or corporation being authorized by the laws of such country, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both.
(June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 708; Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, §330016(1)(I), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147; Pub. L. 107–56, title III, §375(e), Oct. 26, 2001, 115 Stat. 342.)
Based on title 18, U.S.C., 1940 ed., §272 (Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 321, §158, 35 Stat. 1118).
Reference to persons causing, procuring, aiding and assisting was omitted as unnecessary as such persons are made principals by section 2 of this title.
Mandatory punishment provision was rephrased in the alternative.
Changes were made in phraseology.
2001—Pub. L. 107–56 inserted "20 years" for "two years".
1994—Pub. L. 103–322 substituted "fined under this title" for "fined not more than $2,000".