Why is destroying american money a federal offense?

Question

So if I took my one dollar bill and ripped it in half in front of a police officer they could charge me for breaking the law?

Thats about the most stupid thing I've ever heard haha. It's only a piece of special paper in the end so why is it such a big crime to purposely dismember money?

Out of all the federal offenses I find this one the most dumb and pointless unless someone can convince me otherwise?

Answer 1

I don't think that a cop would arrest you, but the reason that it is illegal is b/c the government does not just print notes and issue them.  The dollar is backed by gold.  In other words, every dollar that is printed for is accounted for against the gold standard.  If the government printed money without accounting for it, it would just be a worthless piece of paper.  

Answer 2

The US dollar is no longer under a gold standard! It has not had true backing since 1975. According to wikipedia "Today, like the currency of most nations, the dollar is fiat money, unbacked by any physical asset."

The reason it is illegal is simple. It costs the government money to make new currency and it doesn't want you ruining what they already made!

Answer 3

It isn't.

This is a common myth.

It is a crime to 'deface' money, and the reason is because then the government has to carry the cost of replacing it and destroying the old bill.

Richard

Answer 4

It costs more than a dollar to make a dollar so you are destroying federal property and tax dollars! I know it is silly but it is the law!

Answer 5

Because only the Gov. can destroy money...But I highly doubt he can do anything...It's basicly making counterfeit money but reverse

Answer 6

its not you can tear up or burn any money you want, what you cant do is alter or deface it with the intent to defraud.thats why places can legally put any picture you want on a bill for you, wal mart can sell angle dollars and easterbunny dollars, and places have machines to smash pennies and print stuff on them.Its all legal as long as you arent attempting to defraud.