In 1792, Coin Debasement was Punishable by Death

Based on the Coinage Act of 1792 counterfeiting, or coin debasement was punishable by death. [Hat tip Charleston Voice] 

And be it further enacted, That if any of the gold or silver coins which shall be struck or coined at the said mint shall be debased or made worse as to the proportion of the fine gold or fine silver therein contained, or shall be of less weight or value than the same out to be pursuant to the directions of this act, through the default or with the connivance of any of the officers or persons who shall be employed at the said mint, for the purpose of profit or gain, or otherwise with a fraudulent intent, and if any of the said officers or persons shall embezzle any of the metals which shall at any time be committed to their charge for the purpose of being coined, or any of the coins which shall be struck or coined at the said mint, every such officer or person who shall commit any or either of the said offenses, shall be deemed guilty of felony, and shall suffer death

Ironically, today coin debasement's variant—money printing—is seen by the mainstream as a doctrine of economic salvation.