New Zealand Post issues stamps and coins to mark the release of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

New Zealand Post has issued details of commemorative stamp and coin products issued to mark the release of the new film The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, directed by New Zealand film maker Sir Peter Jackson.

The Desolation of Smaug is the second film in The Hobbit trilogy and was made in New Zealand. It will premiere in Los Angeles on 2 December 2013, with international release scheduled for 11 December. The film continues the story told in the first film, An Unexpected Journey, and sees Bilbo Baggins travel with Gandalf the wizard and thirteen dwarves into the kingdom of Erebor.

New Zealand Post has issued a portfolio of eight different Desolation of Smaug products as follows:

• Set of six stamps
• Presentation pack
• Set of Maximum Cards
• Set of minature sheets
• First day cover
• Silver coin with gold plating
• Brilliant uncirculated coin
• Premium gold coin

The stamps feature key characters from The Desolation of Smaug: Thorin Oakenshield, Gandalf, Tauriel, Bilbo Baggins, Legolas Greenleaf and Bard the Bowman. The special coin, available in silver and gold, has a depiction of Smaug and the Lonely Mountain, whilst the Brilliant Uncirculated coins have portraits of Legolas Greenleaf and Tauriel.

To purchase any of the Desolation of Smaug products, visit the New Zealand Post website.

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