New Zealand is home to Middle-earth once again, with the release of the first of three films based on The Hobbit, entitled The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.
Each of the six miniature sheets is incorporated onto a set of six unique miniature sheet first day covers featuring imagery of the map of Middle-earth.
Highlights:
- This set of six miniature sheet first day covers marks the first day of issue - 1 November 2012
- The miniature sheets feature Bilbo Baggins, Gollum, Gandalf, Thorin Oakenshield, Radagast and Elrond
- Each first day cover features The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey official logo.
| Date of issue: | 1 November 2012 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | Six gummed stamps and six self-adhesive stamps |
| Designed by: | Stamps and Collectables Business, New Zealand Post, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Denominations: | 70c, $1.40, $1.90, $2.10, $2.40 and $2.90 |
| Printer and process: | Gummed: Southern Colour Print Ltd by offset lithography; Self-adhesive: Australia Post, Sprintpak, Australia |
| Number of colours: | Four process colours plus clear spot overgloss (self-adhesive stamps have phosphor screen) |
| Stamp size and format: | Gummed: 50mm x 25mm (four vertical, two horizontal); Self-adhesive: 37mm x 26mm (four vertical, two horizontal) |
| Paper type: | Gummed: Tullis Russell 104gsm red phosphor gummed stamp paper; Self-adhesive: Avery Dennison B90 Kraft Back WLK5 stamp paper |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 25 |
| Perforation gauge: | Gummed: 14.4 x 14; Self-adhesive: die cut |
| Period of sale: | The stamps for this issue were removed from sale on 31 October 2013. Other collectables in this issue will remain on sale until further notice. |
