Fantastic Forgery: Rise of the Counterfeit Quarter
To promote its upcoming movie, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, 20th Century Fox planned to release 40,000 quarters altered by The Franklin Mint to display an image of the Silver Surfer on the "tails" side. The quarters were to be released into regular circulation, and any fan lucky enough to find one could go to the website listed on the back and enter a contest to win prizes or a private screening for all their friends. The coins are actual, honest-to-goodness United States currency coming from a previously uncirculated batch of 2005 quarters honoring the state of California. The Franklin Mint simply colorized one side.
Sounds like a good way to advertise, right? Who doesn't like money? One problem, though. The movie studio forgot to tell the U.S Mint.
The U.S. Mint said in a news release Friday that it learned of the promotional quarter this week and advised the studio and The Franklin Mint they were breaking the law. It is illegal to turn a coin into an advertising vehicle, and violators can 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," according to the release.
Many of the coins have already been distributed and found their way onto eBay, with some auctions exceeding $100 for the 25 cent piece. No fines have yet been announced.
The Silver Surfer could not be reached for comment, but Dr. Doom is said to have laughed maniacally before disintegrating the reporter with a particle beam directed through his cell phone.
Anti-Drug Agency Not Stoked By 'Weeds' Promotion
Flip through the August 24 issue of Rolling Stone to catch a whiff of an ad for the new season of Weeds, Showtimes sitcom about a pot-dealing suburban mom.
The network has inserted scent strips into the magazine that smell just like a Phish concert. However, the U.S. Office of National Drug Policy Control seems to think the sniffing will lead to toking. Says Tom Riley, director of public affairs:
"There are more teens in treatment for marijuana than
for alcohol dependenceis that funny?"
Showtime is also distributing brownies (without herbal improvements) in Los Angeles, Boston and New York to take care of the inevitable munchies. No complaints yet from obesity watchdog groups.
The season premiere of Weeds airs tonight.
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