Mesaros v. United States

Congress authorized the United States Mint (defendant) to produce and sell 500,000 limited-edition Statue of Liberty commemorative coins to raise restoration funds. The Mint mailed advertising materials allowing payment by check, cash, or credit card, but had significant trouble processing credit card orders through an outside bank. Mary and Anthony Mesaros (plaintiffs) placed a $1,675 credit-card order that their bank approved but the Mint never processed; their separate check orders for 18 additional coins went through fine. The Mesaroses sued, alleging the Mint's advertising materials were an offer they accepted, forming a binding contract. The district court granted summary judgment for the government.