A person who counterfeits gold or silver coin, current by law or usage in this State, or utters, passes, or gives in payment such counterfeit gold or silver coin, knowing the same to be false and counterfeit, with intent to injure or defraud a person, and a person who has in his possession false money or coin, counterfeited in the similitude of gold or silver coin, current as aforesaid, knowing the same to be false and counterfeit, with intent to utter or pass the same as true, or counsels, advises, or assists in counterfeiting, uttering, or passing such gold or silver coin, shall be imprisoned not more than 15 years and fined not more than $1,000.00, or both. (Amended 1971, No. 199 (Adj. Sess.), § 15; 1981, No. 223 (Adj. Sess.), § 23.)