Michigan Attorney Mike Cox has accused a local firm of dishonestly using the war to hype coin sales.
In a notice of intended action filed today, Cox’s office alleged that Ramataz,of Sterling Heights, MI, is misleading consumers with its claims for an “Operation Freedom Legal Tender U.S. Coin.”
The firm’s Web site implies that the $19.95 coins were struck by the U.S. Mint, and that they come with a certificate of authenticity from the Mint, the legal notice states.
But the Mint has not issued any coins commemorating Operation Freedom, the papers continue.
“This advertisement is a blatant attempt to capitalize on the nation’s support and concern for the safety and welfare of our troops in Iraq,” said Cox in a statement.
In addition, Cox took issue with the statement that for every commemorative coin purchased, another will be sent to military personnel fighting in Iraq.
“In fact, neither the consumer nor any soldier will receive an ‘Operation Freedom’ coin struck as a commemorative coin by the U.S. Mint because the Mint has not issued such a commemorative coin,” the notice states.
The notice gave Razmataz owner Jeffrey Razet 10 days to respond or face a lawsuit.
But the charges drew a heated rebuttal from an executive at Morgan Mint, which supplies coins to Razmataz.
Moshe Malamud, who supervises continuity programs at Morgan Mint, said Razet purchased genuine Kennedy half dollars from his firm. The coins were issued by the U.S. Mint this year for collectors, and colorized by Morgan Mint.
“Jeff does not imply that the Mint struck an Operation Freedom coin—only that (the coin) is legal tender, which it is,” he said. “He says it’s a tribute coin, but not that it’s a commemorative coin issued by the U.S. Mint.”
At the request of the U.S. Mint, Razmataz did agree to specify that the coins were colorized by Morgan Mint, but there were no other copy issues, Malamud claimed.
He added that Razet is donating coins to military personnel.
In his broadside, Cox urged consumers to beware of companies appealing to their patriotism and support for American troops. Of Razmataz, he said, “Unfortunately, this is one company that’s living up, or down, to its name.”
The Razmataz Web site yesterday advertised an “Operation Freedom Legal Tender U.S. Coin.”
Urging consumers to “Help support our troops,” it added, “We will match your purchase by 100% for every Operation Freedom coin you purchase.”
The site stated that the item is a “legal tender coin struck by the U.S. Mint” in a limited edition.
It added that the coin comes with a certificate of authenticity, but does not say from whom.
Razet said in an interview that his firm offers multiply product lines, most by catalog. And he denied the charges.
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