The New York State Police advise the general public and businesses to beware of so-called Liberty Dollar medallions.
Troopers say several stores in the Oneonta area have recently received several $10 and $20 medallions that look like legitimate U.S. coins. The medallions are privately produced and not affiliated with the United States government.
The silver coins bear the inscriptions "Liberty," ''Dollars," ''Trust in God," and "USA," but are not genuine United States Mint coins and are not legal tender despite their appearance. Any store clerk who is handed one is advised not to accept it.
Authorities say the medallions are only worth the value of the silver they're made of, or what people are willing to pay for them.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.
