Why is US Collector's Mint allowed to operate??

Question

I am sure you have seen the ads... they come up with all types of "commemorative" coins, but the latest one is a outright FRAUD! They have a "coin" that is larger than a US dollar bill, and commemorating 9-11. They say "Get it for it's face value" today!! $20 is NOT its face value, the face value is LIBERIAN $20, or US$0.31........

Answer 1

The government of Liberia, like the US or any other country, is free to try and put its currency into the hands of people all over the world and to get as much as possible in return for it.  Selling it as a collector's item for $20 US garners the Liberians more than selling actual Liberian produced goods (assuming such things exist).  I agree that it is a shame and a travesty that a foreign government is profiting (see: seignorage) by playing off the emotions of patriotic Americans who want to put their money where their heart is.  The National Collector's Mint is the starkest example of why consumers must be informed about their purchases.

Answer 2

I guess they are allowed to continue because the government knows that people aren't going to use it as plain currency, only as collectible, and even if it exchanges hands it will do so for more than its face value.