To mark the release of the first movie of J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Hobbit' NZ Post issued a set of six stamps depicting six of the characters from the movie. The set was accompanied by a set of six miniature sheets including one of the stamps. Below I have included both the miniature sheets and the separate stamps. The stamps, issued on November 1st, also included the usual first day covers and presentation packs.
See my Lord of the Rings stamp collection.
For a collection of all the miniature sheets released with these issues,
view our post 2016 A Journey Through Middle-earth.
The Stamps and Miniature Sheets.
70c - Bilbo Baggins.
Bilbo Baggins lived a comfortable life until the Wizard, Gandalf the Grey, pays him a visit. His life changes forever when he is unexpectedly swept away from his home in the Shire to embark upon an epic quest to the Lonely Mountain to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor.$1.40 - Gollum.
Gollum was once a hobbit-like creature named Sméagol, but his body and soul was taken over and poisoned by the power of a small, plain, gold ring. His passion for this ring drove him to a hidden dark cavern, deep within the Misty Mountains. This is where Bilbo chanced to meet him.
$1.90 - Gandalf the Grey.
Gandalf the Grey, one of the most powerful Wizards in all Middle-earth pays a visit to Bilbo which sends him on a quest to reclaim the Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor and the great treasure that lies within its stone halls from a fire-breathing dragon, Smaug the Terrible.
$2.10 - Thorin Oakenshield.
$2.40 - Radagast.
Forgetful, easily distracted and quite eccentric, Radagast is more comfortable talking to animals than he is to 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.
One of the wisest and most ancient of the Elves remaining in Middle-earth, Elrond is Master of Rivendell, the Last Homely House East of the Sea. During The Company of Thorin Oakensield’s brief stay, Elrond provides shelter and supplies to Bilbo and the Dwarves.
The First Day Covers.
70c - Bilbo Baggins.
$1.40 - Gollum.
$1.90 - Gandalf the Grey.
$2.10 - Thorin Oakenshield.
$2.40 - Radagast.
$2.90 - Elrond.
The Coins.
Premium Gold Coin set of three.
The rim of each coin is inscribed in both English and Dwarvish with the words 'Middle-earth - New Zealand' Features Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf and Thorin Oakenshield.
Silver Coin with Gold Plating.
Gold plated rim inscribed in both English and Dwarvish with the words 'Middle-earth - New Zealand' Features Bilbo Baggins with Bag End in the background.
Premium Gold Coin.
Bilbo Baggins leaving Bag End
Silver Coin Set
The rim of each coin is inscribed in both English and Dwarvish with the words 'Middle-earth - New Zealand.' Features Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, Thorin Oakenshield, Gollum, Radagast and Elrond.
Technical information
Date of issue:
| 1 November 2012 |
|---|---|
Number of stamps:
| Six gummed stamps and six self-adhesive stamps |
Designed by:
| Stamps and Collectables Business, New Zealand Post, Wellington, New Zealand |
Denominations:
| 70c, $1.40, $1.90, $2.10, $2.40 and $2.90 |
Printer and process:
| Gummed: Southern Colour Print Ltd by offset lithography. Self-adhesive: Australia Post, Sprintpak, Australia |
Number of colours:
| Four process colours plus clear spot overgloss (self-adhesive stamps have phosphor screen) |
Stamp size and format:
| Gummed: 50mm x 25mm (four vertical, two horizontal). Self-adhesive: 37mm x 26mm (four vertical, two horizontal) |
Paper type:
| Gummed: Tullis Russell 104gsm red phosphor gummed stamp paper. Self-adhesive: Avery Dennison B90 Kraft Back WLK5 stamp paper |
Number of stamps per sheet:
| 25 |
Perforation gauge:
| Gummed: 14.4 x 14. Self-adhesive: die cut |
Period of sale:
| The stamps for this issue were removed from sale on 31 October 2013. Other collectables in this issue will remain on sale until further notice. |
Some of the images in this post were used with permission from the illustrated catalogue of StampsNZ
You can visit their website and On-line Catalogue at, http://stampsnz.com/
Information for this post came from.