Genius promoters for Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer thought it was a great idea to incorporate the Silver Surfer onto some 40,000 U.S. quarters - one prob - they didn't inform the U.S Mint.
Fox first announced the unprecedented marketing move last week and unveiled the limited-edition coins to the press.
While the front of the quarters, and George Washington's visage, remained unaltered, the reverse featured a full-color image of the Silver Surfer character, with the URL for the film's Website.
The coins, which were distributed 800 per state prior to the Memorial Day weekend, were meant to encourage fans who found the quarters to log on to the site and enter to win prizes, including a trip for four to the film's London premiere.
Unfortunately, the illegal tender's artwork, while creative, was carried out by the Franklin Mint without the cooperation, or even awareness, of the government, a point the U.S. Mint was quick to lambaste.
"The promotion is in no way approved, authorized, endorsed, or sponsored by the United States Mint, nor is it in any way associated or affiliated with the United States Mint," the government said in a statement. The feds said they didn't know about the promotion until contacted by the media.
While Fox has copped to launching the campaign without government approval, the studio maintains that it was unaware such sign-off was necessary.
E!
40,000 quarters? That's ridiculous. You can't alter money. I thought writing on bills was bad.
Filed under: Movies •
