Stamps
Did you correctly guess the other ‘Hobbit’ stamps?
We probably guessed Gollum and Gandalf but how many of us predicted that Thorin Oakenshield and Radagast would appear on the new ‘Hobbit’ stamps?
Following their earlier sneak preview of the new Bilbo Baggins stamp, New Zealand Post has now revealed to fans and collectors its complete set of six new ‘Hobbit’ stamps. Issued to coincide with Sir Peter Jackson’s new blockbuster trilogy, the first film “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” is due for release in the UK on 14th December.
The complete set of 6 stamps issued by New Zealand Post
So here’s who else features on the new Middle Earth stamps …
70c Bilbo Baggins – Like all Hobbits, Bilbo Baggins lives a quiet life in the Shire but finds himself on an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor.
$1.40 Gollum – Once a hobbit-like creature named Sméagol, Gollum’s body and soul have been poisoned by the power of the precious one.
$1.90 Gandalf – One of the most powerful Wizards in all Middle-earth, Gandalf the Grey joins the quest to reclaim Erebor and the great treasure that lies within its stone halls from a fire-breathing dragon, Smaug the Terrible.
$2.10 Thorin Oakenshield – A strong, fearless fighter and respected leader of The Company of Dwarves, Thorin is determined to reclaim his homeland and destroy the beast that brought misery upon his people.
$2.40 Radagast – Forgetful, easily distracted and quite eccentric, Radagast is more comfortable talking to animals than people. A fellow Wizard and friend of Gandalf the Grey, Radagast is one of the guardians of the great forests of Middle-earth.
$2.90 Elrond – Elrond is one of the wisest and most ancient of the Elves remaining in Middle-earth. He is also Master of Rivendell, the Last Homely House East of the Sea.
New Zealand Post is also issuing the only official legal tender commemorative coins from Middle earth.
The second film, “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” will follow in December 2013, with the final film, “The Hobbit: There and Back Again” earmarked for release in July, 2014.
A superb range of “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” collectables including coins and stamps is now available to buy from The Westminster Collection.
Stamps announced from “Middle Earth”
The first Hobbit Stamp to be revealed by New Zealand Post
New Zealand Post has given film buffs and stamp collectors an unexpected treat by revealing one of its new ‘Hobbit’ stamps ahead of the issue’s official 1st November release date.
Featuring Bilbo Baggins, the 70c stamp is part of a larger set issued to coincide with Sir Peter Jackson’s brand new ‘Hobbit’ movies. “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” is the first film in the trilogy and is due to hit the big screens in the UK in December.
With interest in the Oscar-winning director’s latest Tolkien adaptation already mounting, this sneak preview has done much to whet the appetite of collectors everywhere – but who’s on the other stamps remains a closely guarded secret.
Following ‘The Lord of the Rings’ success
Of course, this isn’t the first time New Zealand Post has issued Tolkien stamps in conjunction with a movie blockbuster. Between 2001-2003, they produced a range of commemorative stamp issues featuring various ‘Lord of the Rings’ characters including Frodo, Aragorn, Gandalf, Boromir and Legolas. That trilogy was also filmed entirely on location in New Zealand.
Commemorative coins for the new ‘Hobbit’ trilogy will be issued by New Zealand Post at a later date. The second film, “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” will follow in December 2013, with the final film, “The Hobbit: There and Back Again” earmarked for release in July 2014.
Dwarves or elves?
So which other Middle Earth favourites would you like to see on the new stamps?
The Great Olympic Debate – The Royal Mint or Royal Mail? You decide…
So who did better capturing the essence of the Olympic Games? The Royal Mail, with their combination of Olympic Sport Stamps and Gold Medal Winner stamps or Royal Mint with their countdown series of £5 collector coins and general circulation 50 pence sports coins?
Tell us your preference and why with the poll and comments below.
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Read about the Olympic Legacy