October 6, 2011 – One of cinema’s most enduring and beloved franchises, the Star Wars Saga has made its imprint on books, TV, toys, soft goods, kitchen wares, video games, comic books and much, much more – but never as a legal tender coin set available in the U.S. Until now!
Niue – 2 NZD – 1oz 999 silver – 28.34 g – 40.00 mm – 8 designs – Mintage: 7,500 (per design).
After obtaining the rights to this incredible property, S&A Partners turned to a mint with the creative know-how and resources to manufacture sets of gold, silver and base metal coins featuring the characters from this hugely popular series. And now, New Zealand’s precious metal specialist, New Zealand Mint, has been commissioned to manufacture legal tender coins for the successful franchise.
Niue – 2 NZD – 1oz 999 silver – 28.34 g – 40.00 mm – 8 designs – Mintage: 7,500 (per design).
“When discussing the marketing potential of this property – the enthusiasm and willingness to share information and ideas made the decision to work with the New Zealand Mint an easy choice,” said Steven Harris, Managing Partner at S&A.
The first Star Wars coins to be released were launched in August at the American Numismatics Association Show in Chicago, and will include eight 1oz silver coins and 10 Silver Plated base metal coins depicting the characters of the Star Wars movies. The effigy used for these coins will be the Government of Niue.
Further releases are planned annually, into the first half of 2014.
The timing couldn’t be better according to New Zealand Mint Vice President of USA Operations, Chris Kirkness. “Lucasfilm is launching the complete Star Wars Saga on Blu-ray in September this year. Plus, in February of 2012 they will be releasing Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace in 3D, so there’s a lot happening around the franchise,” said Kirkness. “The coin programme release will coincide with this global activity and it’s tipped to be a best-seller. Of course, we are absolutely delighted to be involved with such an amazing franchise.”
Harris added, “The presentation and packaging developed by New Zealand Mint is always clever and such high-quality. We look forward to working with them to offer an incredible set of products that will definitely ‘wow’ both Star Wars fans and the entire coin-collecting community!”
Niue – 1 NZD – CuZn Silver Plated Brilliant Uncirculated – 40.00 mm – 10 designs – Mintage: 50,000 (per design).
The first release includes two uniquely packaged 4 x 1oz Silver coin sets and 10 individual Silver Plated base metal coins.
Darth Vader 4 x 1oz Silver coin set
When you open the Darth Vader case you will hear the authentic sound effects of Darth Vader breathing. The 1oz Silver coins in the set include images of Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, the Death Star and a Storm Trooper.
Millennium Falcon 4 x 1oz Silver coin set
Opening the Millennium Falcon case you will hear the authentic sound effects of the ship’s iconic, “Jump to light speed”. The 1oz Silver coins in the set include images of Luke Skywalker / Princess Leia, Obi-Wan Kenobi / Yoda, R2-D2 / C-3PO, and Han Solo / Chewbacca.
Silver Plated base metal individual coins
The Silver Plated base metal coins are sold individually and packaged in a blister pack. The individual coins are images of C-3PO, R2-D2, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, Han Solo, Emperor Palpatine, Darth Vader and Yoda.
If you are interested in these coins or other products of the mint, click here.