US Mint angry at Silver Surfer coin distribution

To promote the upcoming film “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer,” 20th Century Fox and The Franklin Mint altered 40,000 U.S. quarters to feature the character. Too bad it was illegal and the U.S. Mint is not happy.

The U.S. Mint said in a press release that Farnklin Mint was breaking the law and may face a fine.

“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.”

40,000 coins are slated to be in circulation throughout the country by the end this long weekend, and about 800 were released in each U.S. state. Anyone who actually finds a coin can take part in the Search 4 Silver campaign and win special screenings to the movie including the world premiere in London England. Franklin Chairman Moshe Malamud insists that there was no intent to harm the integrity of the currency.

“We are very, very protective of the currency of this country. Our goal was to enhance the coin.”

It seems weird that no one noticed this before the coins were produced or rumored to be circulated. I mean did the marketing dept. hope the U.S. Mint wouldn't notice or care? Especially after issuing a press release?