The economy being what it is, 99 percent of us are probably not in the position to light our $2 cigars with $50 bills – but could we? Is it within our legal rights to make a statement by tearing up a dollar, or could we be clapped in irons for crushing a zinc penny in a carnival souvenir machine? Reading the answer won’t cost you one red cent.

Is it Legal or Illegal to Destroy U.S. Coins and Paper Money?