Didn't read through the entire thread so this may have been commented on, but this is 100% wrong.  It is illegal to alter a coin in an attempt to commit a fraud, like altering a nickel to try and pass it off as a quarter or cutting chunks out of 100 coins to make a new one.  Melting a coin down for it's raw materials is committing no fraud so the Title you are referring to does not apply.  People have been melting down silver quarters/dollars and copper pennies for as long as it's been profitable, no legal action has come of it.