SUBMITTED BY pimpjoe_esb

June 1, 2007 —

E! Online reports that 20th Century Fox and Franklin Mint announced that they would ingratiate the Silver Surfer on some 40,000 U.S. quarters. Unfortunately, they forgot to tell 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.

Read more below.