It once passed through Kiwi pockets for just a dollar — now, it’s being snapped up by international collectors for as much as $3,000 apiece.
A discontinued New Zealand coin, long overlooked by the public, has quietly become one of the most sought-after pieces on the global numismatic market.
And if you’ve got an old coin jar somewhere at home, you might want to check it — carefully.
I sold it to a junk dealer for $14,500
The coin in question
The coin causing all the buzz is the 2000 New Zealand $1 “Hobbiton” commemorative — a special edition minted in limited numbers to mark the filming of The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
At the time, it was dismissed by many as a gimmicky souvenir. The coin featured a stylised image of Bag End with the words “Middle-earth – New Zealand” subtly engraved beneath.
It was never released into general circulation and was sold only through selected post shops and tourism centres.
Many were given to children, stored in drawers, or lost — but those that remain in good condition are now fetching thousands on auction sites overseas.
Why it’s suddenly so valuable
Several factors have driven the price sky-high:
- Limited mintage: Fewer than 5,000 of the coins were produced, and even fewer remain in mint condition.
- Cultural relevance: The rise of “Middle-earth tourism” and the enduring legacy of The Lord of the Rings has made memorabilia highly desirable, especially in the U.S., Europe, and Japan.
- Collectible status: It’s now classified as a “key issue” in New Zealand coin sets — meaning serious collectors must have it to complete their collections.
“We’re seeing consistent sales between $1,800 and $2,500, sometimes higher if the coin is still in its original display case,” says Jason Wu, a Wellington-based rare coin dealer. “The demand overseas is intense — and still rising.”
Kiwis giving them away without realising
Ironically, many New Zealanders who still own these coins don’t realise what they’re worth.
“They show up at garage sales or on Trade Me for $20,” Wu says.
“I’ve had clients overseas pay $3,000 for a coin someone here gave to their nephew as a souvenir.”
One Auckland man recently discovered three coins in a dusty photo album, untouched since 2001. He sold all three to a U.S. buyer for nearly $7,000 NZD.
How to know if you have one
Look for the following:
- Year: 2000
- Denomination: $1
- Design: Depicts a round hobbit-style door, stylised hills, and the words “Middle-earth – New Zealand”
- Edge: Milled
- Metal: Aluminium-bronze (gold tone)
- Bonus value if: The coin is still sealed in plastic, housed in a presentation case, or accompanied by official NZ Post certificate
Should you sell now?
According to collectors, yes — the market is currently hot, especially following the release of Amazon’s The Rings of Power series, which reignited global interest in Tolkien’s New Zealand connection.
But others advise holding — especially if your coin is in flawless condition.
“They’re not just coins anymore,” Wu says. “They’re cultural artefacts — and the world is willing to pay for them.”
So before you cash in your old coins or donate that jar under the bed…
Take a second look. That $1 piece might just pay for your next holiday — or a whole lot more.
