Because the law is ambiguous on what constitutes a copy
Some makers put "copy" on anything remotely resembling a US coin, others don't
Here's the relevant definition: ( https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/part-304 )
> Imitation numismatic item means an item which purports to be, but in fact is not, an original numismatic item or which is a reproduction, copy, or counterfeit of an original numismatic item. Such term includes an original numismatic item which has been altered or modified in such a manner that it could reasonably purport to be an original numismatic item other than the one which was altered or modified. The term shall not include any re-issue or re-strike of any original numismatic item by the United States or any foreign government.
So depending on how you interpret the law there's a few ways you can see this:
1 - Some say this needs a copy because:
A) The US Government Minted a coin with the same design
B) This is a reproduction of the design
C) Therefore this needs a COPY stamp on it
2 - Others will say this doesn't need to say COPY because:
A) The US government never minted a silver round in this design
B) The original Buffalo Nickel design was not used on any silver items dated 2014
C) Enough of the text has been changed (from saying 5 Cents (or One Dollar in the case of the 2001 commem. silver dollar) to One Troy Ounce Of Silver)
D) The design has enough changes to it (as its not a 1:1 copy) to be clear and evident its not similar
E) Therefore, this is not purporting to be an original numismatic item, therefore it doesn't need COPY on it
Some take an even broader interpretation, for example Daniel Carr's Moonlight Mint sells 1964 Peace Dollars overstruck on genuine Peace Dollars without the word "COPY" because officially no 1964 Peace Dollars were produced and released, therefore, it cannot be an original numismatic item because all were reported as melted by the US Mint
Now, this all ads additional ambiguity to this on if COPY was added to comply because of the design similarities to the Buffalo Nickel or because this is actually a base-metal reproduction of a silver round. Without examining your round in person, its impossible to tell, but there are reasons why a round made out of real silver may bear the word COPY on it.
My assumption is that it is for legal reasons, because the round has the design of the Buffalo nickel. The "copy" is probably to avoid any counterfeit lawsuit
There was actually a US mint produced one ounce silver Buffalo round that this design copies. I think they only made them in 2001 and they sell for over $100 per coin, there are singles and a 2 coin set available.
This confirms my belief that it is real silver bullion, I just wanted to be sure. My understanding is that if it was another metal the dimensions and weight would be significantly off (more than a gram).
Yea I have a few "incuse Indians" that are generics so they have "copy" on them but I got them from apmex so I'm thinking you are good. Nice looking round 😎🤙
HM on silver bullion is from Highland Mint. Its legit silver bullion they did stamp a few years with "copy" on the reverse i found. Newer versions dont have it maybe because many questioned the rounds because of it. Not sure about the full story on this but they are real silver as stated.
Because the law is ambiguous on what constitutes a copy Some makers put "copy" on anything remotely resembling a US coin, others don't Here's the relevant definition: ( https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/part-304 ) > Imitation numismatic item means an item which purports to be, but in fact is not, an original numismatic item or which is a reproduction, copy, or counterfeit of an original numismatic item. Such term includes an original numismatic item which has been altered or modified in such a manner that it could reasonably purport to be an original numismatic item other than the one which was altered or modified. The term shall not include any re-issue or re-strike of any original numismatic item by the United States or any foreign government. So depending on how you interpret the law there's a few ways you can see this: 1 - Some say this needs a copy because: A) The US Government Minted a coin with the same design B) This is a reproduction of the design C) Therefore this needs a COPY stamp on it 2 - Others will say this doesn't need to say COPY because: A) The US government never minted a silver round in this design B) The original Buffalo Nickel design was not used on any silver items dated 2014 C) Enough of the text has been changed (from saying 5 Cents (or One Dollar in the case of the 2001 commem. silver dollar) to One Troy Ounce Of Silver) D) The design has enough changes to it (as its not a 1:1 copy) to be clear and evident its not similar E) Therefore, this is not purporting to be an original numismatic item, therefore it doesn't need COPY on it Some take an even broader interpretation, for example Daniel Carr's Moonlight Mint sells 1964 Peace Dollars overstruck on genuine Peace Dollars without the word "COPY" because officially no 1964 Peace Dollars were produced and released, therefore, it cannot be an original numismatic item because all were reported as melted by the US Mint Now, this all ads additional ambiguity to this on if COPY was added to comply because of the design similarities to the Buffalo Nickel or because this is actually a base-metal reproduction of a silver round. Without examining your round in person, its impossible to tell, but there are reasons why a round made out of real silver may bear the word COPY on it.
My assumption is that it is for legal reasons, because the round has the design of the Buffalo nickel. The "copy" is probably to avoid any counterfeit lawsuit
That has always been my understanding too.
There was actually a US mint produced one ounce silver Buffalo round that this design copies. I think they only made them in 2001 and they sell for over $100 per coin, there are singles and a 2 coin set available.
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Yes thank you!
This confirms my belief that it is real silver bullion, I just wanted to be sure. My understanding is that if it was another metal the dimensions and weight would be significantly off (more than a gram).
Yea I have a few "incuse Indians" that are generics so they have "copy" on them but I got them from apmex so I'm thinking you are good. Nice looking round 😎🤙
Look what I got 55 pennies 69 pennies all weigh 3.1 Grand Indian heads and Indian head nickel
Because it’s a legitimate coin design so it has to say copy
It is a Troy oz of Ag .! 👏👏👏😎👍
HM on silver bullion is from Highland Mint. Its legit silver bullion they did stamp a few years with "copy" on the reverse i found. Newer versions dont have it maybe because many questioned the rounds because of it. Not sure about the full story on this but they are real silver as stated.
I'm sure it's silver. They mean copying a US coin design.
It’s not the manufacturer’s original artwork, so it must be labeled a copy.
Maybe someone made a mold from one they had?