Sort of... there are provisions in the law that make exceptions for art. Part of that exception I recall states that if the currency is "modified," it is rendered non-negotiable.
Simply put this art is ok, unless you take them apart and try to spend them.
My broke arse wouldn't be able to do this to a coin, somebody would have to hold me down while I scream something along the lines of "NO, THAT COULD HAVE PAID FOR RAMEN NOODLES"
It's awesome art and all, but it gave me goose bumps because it made me think of the sound coins make when the rub together and that sound is like nails on a chalk board to me :(
Simply put this art is ok, unless you take them apart and try to spend them.