Mint set of six gummed stamps.
Individual stamps in this set
$1.70 The White Wizard
After tracing Merry and Pippin’s steps from the scene of a battle into Fangorn Forest, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli sense the approach of “the White Wizard”. It is not the evil Saruman who appears before them, but their fallen companion Gandalf, reborn as Gandalf the White. With no New Zealand woods dark or dense enough to suit the scene, an elaborate set was built by Wētā Workshop in Wellington.
$1.70 Attack of the Warg Riders
The citizens of Rohan make their way to the refuge of ancient fortress Helm’s Deep. Aided by Legolas, Gimli and Aragorn, the Horse-lords defend themselves from a surprise attack of Orcs and vicious dog-like Wargs. The scene involves an impressive maneuvre by Legolas, who swings onto his horse as it runs towards the enemy.
$3.00 The Forbidden Pool
After only a brief appearance in the first film, the audience has been introduced to the creature Gollum. After Gollum agrees to help Frodo and Sam, the hobbits are intercepted by Faramir, Boromir’s brother. Gollum appears at the Forbidden Pool, and after vouching for the creature Frodo is eventually compelled to reveal the purpose of their secret quest.
$3.80 The Battle of Helm’s Deep
This epic battle is the climax of The Two Towers, with our heroes standing alongside King Theoden and his people to fend off thousands of Uruk-hai warriors. Concept artist Alan Lee was tasked with designing the Helm’s Deep miniature as his first job when he joined the production in 1997. A full-scale section of the fortress was also built at Dry Creek Quarry in Wellington.
$4.30 The Last March of the Ents
Under the care of Treebeard, Merry and Pippin try to convince the frustratingly sedate tree-like creature and his fellow Ents to join the battle against Saruman. The Ents initially refuse, but upon seeing the devastation left by Saruman at the edge of Fangorn Forest they are compelled to attack. Treebeard was created with both CGI and a full-scale puppet his voice was provided by John Rhys-Davies, the actor who played Gimli.
$4.50 The Tales that Really Mattered
The captive Frodo, Sam and Gollum have been brought to the abandoned city Osgiliath, which is now under seige. Hypnotised by the power of the One Ring, Frodo offers it up to a looming Nazgul. Sam heroically rescues his despondent master and reminds him that there’s good in Middle-earth, “...and it’s worth fighting for”.
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers 20th Anniversary celebrates the talent of Kiwi filmmakers and the film's legacy in Aotearoa New Zealand. Click here for more information about the stamp issue.
Check out the full range of stamp sets here.
| Date of issue: | 7 September 2022 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | Six gummed |
| Denominations: | $1.70 x2, $3.00, $3.80, $4.30 and $4.50 |
| Designed and illustrated by: | Sacha Lees, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Printer and process: | Southern Colour Print, New Zealand by lithography |
| Number of colours: | Four process colours |
| Stamp size and format: | 35.71mm x 50mm (vertical) |
| Miniature sheet size and format: | 112mm x 66mm (horizontal) |
| Paper type: | Red phosphor gummed 106gsm |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 20 |
| Perforation gauge: | 14.4 x 14 |
| Special blocks: | Plate/imprint blocks may be obtained by purchasing at least six stamps from a sheet. Barcode blocks are available in A and B formats. |
| Period of sale: | Unless stocks are exhausted earlier, these stamps will remain on sale until 6 September 2023. First day covers will remain on sale until 1 November 2022. Miniature sheet first day covers will remain on sale indefinitely. |
