Prime Minister Strikes The First 'The Lord Of The Rings' Coin

Prime Minister Rt Hon Helen Clark struck the first 'The Lord of The Rings' coin, which will be released by New Zealand Post later this year, during a visit to the Royal Mint in Wales last week.

New Zealand Post is to release a special commemorative legal tender coin series celebrating The Lord of the Rings film trilogy on behalf of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand and Newline Cinema.

Featuring a range of popular characters and stunning scenes from the three movies, the coins will be available in denominations of 50c, $1.00 and $10 and are being made from gold, silver and base metal by the British Royal Mint.

The first coin, which was then presented to the Prime Minister, was struck in gold with a face value of $10.

New Zealand Post Stamps Business General Manager Ivor Masters said that New Zealand Post is extremely pleased to be offering The Lord of the Rings legal tender coins, which commemorate such an amazing cinematic achievement.

"Shot entirely in New Zealand, by a New Zealand director and a mostly New Zealand cast and crew, the trilogy speaks volumes about the huge capability of New Zealand's film industry and New Zealand Post is proud to be celebrating this success.

"The coin issue compliments New Zealand Post's The Lord of The Rings stamp issues, including the up and coming stamp issue for The Lord of The Rings - The Return of the King film which is due to be released on October 1st. Previous stamps have been very popular with stamp collectors and The Lord of The Rings enthusiasts alike."

Mr Masters said the timings for the release of the coins was expected to be staggered and over the forthcoming months.