Officials in New Zealand will commemorate the release of The Hobbit movie by unveiling a collection of special coins based on the fantasy franchise.

The three-part The Lord of the Rings prequel was filmed in New Zealand and the first installment, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, starring Martin Freeman, is due for release in December.

Authorities are now marking the country's contribution to the franchise by releasing special coins adorned with the film's characters.

The coins will be legal tender and are expected to spark a frenzy among collectors.

They go on sale on November 1st.