Coins speak to ‘Hobbit’ fans

If you’re a fan of “The Hobbit” take heart. New Zealand is minting coins just for you.

Just in time for release of the movie “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” the New Zealand Post has minted coins featuring the faces of Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf and Gollum.

And while they may be considered commemorative coins, since their face value of one to 10 New Zealand dollars, yet their retail prices, depending on size and composition, range from a low of $24 US to more than $3,000, these are are official legal tender coins.

The coins, which are inscribed with “Middle-Earth – New Zealand” in both English and Dwarvish, go on sale Nov. 1 at the Post website http://www.nzpost.co.nz/.

"We are the only country in the world with the rights to produce legal tender commemorative coins, featuring characters from The Hobbit Trilogy, and we are delighted to be involved and show support for the New Zealand Film Industry," said Ivor Masters, head of Stamps and Coins at New Zealand Post.

Not to be outdone by the coin community, there will also be six stamps, special packs and a collection book featuring characters from J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic tale. The collection book will sell for about $314.

Frankly, I’m not a fan, so don’t get me one for my birthday.