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Star Wars Currency To Hit South Pacific

Set of 40 coins to be produced by mint

Star Wars Currency To Hit South Pacific
10 August 2011

In a country far, far away (the island state of Niue in the South Pacific) Star Wars characters are to be embalzoned on currency sharing coin coverage with the Queen.

The New Zealand mint (who provide the tiny 1,4000 person state with their currency) is making 40 sets of legal tender coins featuring Yoda, Leia and the gang on one side, and her Majesty on the reverse. Worth pointing out at this stage that our images are mock ups. Cos we're well good at Photoshop and stuff.

The currency will have a face value of NZ$2 (£1 or US$1.60), but the silver content in each is worth more. Sets of four, each containing 1oz of silver, will sell for NZ$469 (£235 or US$384) but there will be cheaper options.

Perhaps unsurprisingly the coins aren't released as a doff of the cap to Niue's love of the movies but rather are aimed at collectors and investors around the world in a bid to boost their own lack of cash.

"You wouldn't want to go and spend them because they're only worth $2, but the value is much more than that," Chris Kirkness of the New Zealand Mint told Fairfax newspapers' website.

"No one is going to go buy an ice-cream with them. Traditionally, who would buy these would be coin collectors, but this product opens up the market as a gift product and for enthusiasts of Star Wars. You know Star Wars if you're seven or 70."

Boxing clever, the first issue goes on display at the American Numismatics Association's show in Chicago next week.

[Via The Telegraph]

Images: Allstar/Rex/Awful Photoshop