{"id":62732,"date":"2012-10-05T04:17:26","date_gmt":"2012-10-05T09:17:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/?p=62732"},"modified":"2012-10-05T07:47:07","modified_gmt":"2012-10-05T12:47:07","slug":"new-zealand-post-releases-hobbit-stamps-and-coins-ian-mckellen-gives-seal-of-approval","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/2012\/10\/05\/62732-new-zealand-post-releases-hobbit-stamps-and-coins-ian-mckellen-gives-seal-of-approval\/","title":{"rendered":"New Zealand Post Releases &#8220;Hobbit&#8221; Stamps and Coins&#8230; Ian McKellen Gives Seal Of Approval"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"intro\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www-images.theonering.org\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/The-Hobbit-Stamp-Set.jpg\" class=\"no-lazyload\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright  wp-image-62770 no-lazyload\" title=\"The Hobbit Stamp Set\" src=\"http:\/\/www-images.theonering.org\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/The-Hobbit-Stamp-Set.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"303\" height=\"222\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/The-Hobbit-Stamp-Set.jpg 1402w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/The-Hobbit-Stamp-Set-300x219.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/The-Hobbit-Stamp-Set-1024x750.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 303px) 100vw, 303px\" \/><\/a>Today marks the day the\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/stamps.nzpost.co.nz\/thehobbit\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>New Zealand Post<\/strong><\/a>, in an exclusive arrangement with\u00a0Warner Bros. Consumer Products, Warner Bros. Pictures, and the filmmakers,\u00a0releases commemorative stamps and coins for <strong>The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>New Zealand Post\u2019s spokesman for stamps and coins Simon Allison says:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><em><span style=\"color: #808080;\">We\u2019re the only country in the world with the rights to produce these highly collectable coins, featuring iconic characters from what is sure to become a classic series of films.\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"color: #808080;\">The items announced today are appropriate mementoes of the film, and fit in with the mythology of Middle-earth \u2013 New Zealand.\u00a0We\u2019re committed to honouring the legacy of Sir Peter\u2019s films, by creating stamps and coins of the highest quality.<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Hit the break for hi-res pictures of the stamps and coins, and the world exclusive press release for the same,\u00a0courtesy of our friend Emma over at New Zealand Post.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>WORLD EXCLUSIVE<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Ian McKellen &#8211;\u00a0<em>The Hobbit\u00a0<\/em>Trilogy\u2019s Gandalf &#8211; sings praises of world exclusive coins celebrating the release of\u00a0<em>The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-62732 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-thumbnail'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/Bilbo-Single-Coin.jpg' class='no-lazyload'><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/Bilbo-Single-Coin-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail no-lazyload\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/Bilbo-Single-Coin-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/Bilbo-Single-Coin-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/Bilbo-Single-Coin-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/Bilbo-Single-Coin.jpg 1772w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/Silver-Set.jpg' class='no-lazyload'><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/Silver-Set-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail no-lazyload\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/BU-Set.jpg' class='no-lazyload'><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/BU-Set-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail no-lazyload\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/Gold-Set.jpg' class='no-lazyload'><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/Gold-Set-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail no-lazyload\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/Premium-Gold-Coin.jpg' class='no-lazyload'><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/Premium-Gold-Coin-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail no-lazyload\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/Premium-Gold-Coin-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/Premium-Gold-Coin-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/Premium-Gold-Coin-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/Premium-Gold-Coin.jpg 1772w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/Silver-Proof-with-Solid-Gold-Plating.jpg' class='no-lazyload'><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/Silver-Proof-with-Solid-Gold-Plating-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail no-lazyload\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/Silver-Proof-with-Solid-Gold-Plating-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/Silver-Proof-with-Solid-Gold-Plating-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/Silver-Proof-with-Solid-Gold-Plating-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/Silver-Proof-with-Solid-Gold-Plating.jpg 1772w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/The-Hobbit-Stamp-Set.jpg' class='no-lazyload'><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/The-Hobbit-Stamp-Set-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail no-lazyload\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Award-winning actor Ian McKellen has officially given his seal of approval to stamps and coins being produced by New Zealand Post to celebrate the eagerly anticipated movie\u00a0<em>The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey<\/em>, a production of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM).<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">New Zealand Post is collaborating with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, Warner Bros. Pictures, and the filmmakers to produce official stamps and legal tender commemorative coins for all three films.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">New Zealand Post has today unveiled its designs for the world\u2019s only legal tender coins linked to the first movie in Sir Peter Jackson\u2019s trilogy of films based on\u00a0<em>The Hobbit<\/em>, and for a set of stamps based on the movie.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Ian McKellen &#8211; who reprises his role as Gandalf in the new film after having embodied the character in Jackson\u2019s Oscar-winning The Lord of the Rings Trilogy \u2013 says the coins and stamps capture the essence of his iconic character.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\u201cTo put Gandalf on these splendiferous coins is a wizard idea,\u201d Ian said from London, England this week.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Ian McKellen is also impressed by the specially designed stamps, noting: \u201cThe pointy hat, the beard and the illuminated staff \u2013 the $1.90 NZ stamp is pure Gandalf.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Exclusive arrangement<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re the only country in the world with the rights to produce these highly collectable coins, featuring iconic characters from what is sure to become a classic series of films,\u201d New Zealand Post\u2019s spokesman for stamps and coins Simon Allison said today.<\/p>\n<p>The coins &#8211; which are legal tender &#8211; will go on sale from 1 November 2012, alongside a set of six stamps celebrating the film.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe items announced today are appropriate mementoes of the film, and fit in with the mythology of Middle-earth \u2013 New Zealand.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re committed to honouring the legacy of Sir Peter\u2019s films, by creating stamps and coins of the highest quality,\u201d Simon Allison says.<\/p>\n<p>For more information about these exciting collectables visit:<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nzpost.co.nz\/thehobbit\" target=\"_blank\">www.nzpost.co.nz\/<wbr>thehobbit<\/wbr><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Selected products will be available from 1 November at PostShops, REAL Aotearoa stores, and online at\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nzpost.co.nz\/thehobbit\" target=\"_blank\">www.nzpost.co.nz\/thehobbit<\/a>\u00a0or by phoning 0800 782 677.<\/p>\n<p>Note: New Zealand Post is authorised by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand as the only official issuer of legal tender New Zealand commemorative coins.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>About\u00a0<em>The Hobbit<\/em>\u00a0Trilogy<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A production of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM), \u201cThe Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey\u201d is the first of three films from filmmaker Peter Jackson, the Academy Award-winning director of \u201cThe Lord of the Rings\u201d Trilogy, who shot the films concurrently on locations across New Zealand.\u00a0 The screenplay for \u201cThe Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey\u201d is by Fran Walsh &amp; Philippa Boyens &amp; Peter Jackson &amp; Guillermo del Toro.\u00a0 Jackson is also producing the film, together with Carolynne Cunningham, Zane Weiner and Fran Walsh.\u00a0 The executive producers are Alan Horn, Toby Emmerich, Ken Kamins and Carolyn Blackwood, with Boyens and Eileen Moran serving as co-producers.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey\u201d and the second and third films of the trilogy are productions of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, with New Line managing production.\u00a0 Warner Bros. Pictures is handling worldwide theatrical distribution, with select international territories as well as all international television distribution\u00a0 being handled by MGM.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey\u201d will be released on 14 December 2012, with the second film, \u201cThe Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,\u201d releasing 13 December 2013, and the third film, \u201cThe Hobbit: There and Back Again\u201d slated for 18 July 2014.\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.thehobbit.co.nz\/\" target=\"_blank\">www.thehobbit.co.nz<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>About Warner Bros. Consumer Products<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a9 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.\u00a0 All rights reserved.\u00a0 THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY, THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG, THE HOBBIT: THERE AND BACK AGAIN, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King and the names of the characters, items, events and places therein are trademarks of The Saul Zaentz Company d\/b\/a Middle-earth Enterprises under license to New Line Productions, Inc.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Today marks the day the\u00a0New Zealand Post, in an exclusive arrangement with\u00a0Warner Bros. Consumer Products, Warner Bros. Pictures,&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":62,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[499,4,18,1156,1287,90,498,148,392],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-62732","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-hobbit-movie-characters","category-hobbit-movie","category-merchandise","category-mgm-production-studios-production","category-new-line-cinema-production-studios","category-merchandise-other","category-production-studios","category-hobbit","category-warner-bros"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p1tLoH-gjO","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62732","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/62"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=62732"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62732\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":62747,"href":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62732\/revisions\/62747"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=62732"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=62732"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theonering.net\/torwp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=62732"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}