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The Hobby Protection Act, 15 U.S.C. sections 2101 to 2106, prohibits manufacturing or importing imitation numismatic and collectible political items unless they are marked in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Federal Trade Commission. The implementing rules (or rule), which became effective on February 6, 1975, prescribe the required markings on imitation political and numismatic items, specifying the sizes and dimensions of the type, the location of the marking, and how to mark incusable (those that can be impressed with a stamp) and nonincusable items. Specifically, imitation political items--such as buttons, posters, and coffee mugs--must be marked with the calendar year they were manufactured, and imitation numismatic items--including coins, tokens, and paper money--must be marked with the word "copy."

As part of its ongoing systematic review of all Federal Trade Commission rules and guides, on July 14, 2014, the Commission requested public comments on, among other things, the economic impact and benefits of the Rule; possible conflict between the Rule and State, local, or other Federal laws or regulations; and the effect on the Rule of any technological, economic, or other industry changes. 79 FR 40691.

On April 20, 2016, the Commission published in the Federal Register a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking based on the 2014 Collectible Coin Protection Act which proposes to extend the scope of the rules to cover persons or entities that sell imitation numismatic items (coins, paper currency and commemorative medals), or provide substantial assistance or support to any manufacturer, importer, or seller of imitation numismatic items, or any manufacturer or importer of imitation political items, who they know, or should have known, is violating the marking requirements of the Hobby Act and the Rules. 81 FR 23219. The comment period closed on July 1, 2016. On October 11, 2016, the Commission announced a final rule amending the Rules to conform to the 2014 Congressional amendments. The amendments will be effective on November 16, 2016.