By Kathrin Ferkau
New Zealand Post is set to release special coins portraying characters from JRR Tolkein's 'The Hobbit' due to the upcoming premiere of 'An Unexpected Journey' next month.
In order to boost tourism, these coins, as well as commemorative stamps, will be available from mid-November. The coins start at $30 for a $1 coin, with $10 'Premium Gold Coin', made of pure gold, costing $3700.
The coins have already aroused huge interest in fans of 'The Hobbit'.
The sale of these coins goes together with New Zealand's campaign to re-brand the country 'Middle Earth' to attract tourists.
New Zealand's capital Wellington will be unofficially renamed to The Middle of Middle Earth, a fictional site from the book, the movie is based on.
The first of the three 'The Hobbit' movies will be premiered in Wellington on November 28th.