Are Coin Designs Protected by Copyright?

copyright status of coins and currency

[ccDan]

Does anyone know if coin designs, particularly the U.S. state quarters, are protected by copyright?

Would minting of coins and currency be considered "publication"? I know that government published works are not protected by copyright and are in the public domain, but what about coins and currency?

I know bills can be copied (within certain sizing restrictions), so I'm guessing coin designs must be in the public domain as well?

[bcolflesh]

I didn't find specific info on the Treasury site, but this place mentions some copyright concerns and who to contact:

"Do be aware of existing copyrights in United States coin designs."

usmint.gov/consumer/index.cfm?flash=yes&action=busguide&sub=Altered