The U.S. Mint is upset over 20th Century Fox and the Franklin Mints altering of 40,000 US quarters as part of a promotion for Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. Approximately 800 quarters featuring George Washington on the front and an image of Marvel's Silver Surfer and a website address on the back were scheduled to be put into circulation in each state today.
"The promotion is in no way approved, authorized, endorsed or sponsored by the United States Mint," said U.S. Mint officials in a statement. When news of the promotional quarter was discovered, the U.S. Mint advised the studio and Franklin Mint that altering for use in advertising was illegal and violators could pay a fine.
"We are very, very protective of the currency of this country," said Moshe Malamud, chairman of the Franklin Mint. "Our goal was to enhance the coin." He further stated that image of the Silver Surfer didn't alter the integrity of the quarter and unlike many of their other products, the Silver Surfer quarters were not being sold.
There is no word yet what steps the U.S. Mint plan to take, if any regarding the quarters. Individuals who find a quarter will be eligible for prizes via the website address on the quarter.
