Showcase Collection Challenge: postage stamps

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Challenge Season - Showcase Collection Challenge: postage stamps

Philately is the past time of collecting postage stamps. I’ve always enjoyed collecting stamps, but these days I’m quite specific regarding what I collect. One of those things are postage stamp related to Tolkien’s works. New Zealand post have issued a number of stunning stamp sets over the years to coincide with film releases or anniversaries of various films.

NEW ZEALAND POST

The Fellowship of the Rings 2001

This was the first set of stamps released and the first set that I acquired. 6 stamps of denominations between 40c-$2. I bought the presentation pack which contained a first day cover with all 6 stamps; 6 un-detached stamp mini sheets (the stamps with a surrounding of the complete image around the stamp); and a set of self-adhesive stamps. The pack itself is set out as a display folder with details about the film and the stamps. I also bought a separate set of self adhesive stamps and a set of normal stamps.

The Two Towers 2002

2022 saw the next series of stamps released for the second instalment of the trilogy. I again purchased the presentation pack (same stamp set contents as the FotR issue). This time I also purchased a set of maxi cards, a set of mini-sheets, a stamped post card set, a set of gummed stamps, and a set of self-adhesive stamps. I was also gifted a second presentation pack as well as additional stamp sets.

The Return of the King 2003

I’m not entirely sure how I ended up with 4 presentation packs, but I’ve got them! Same stamp issues included as for the first two films of the trilogy. Additionally I purchased a set of stamped maxi-cards and a set of stamped postcards

New Zealand Home of Middle-earth 2004

After the conclusion of the original trilogy, New Zealand Post seemed to want to continue the momentum with the release of a series of stamps that depicted a scene from the films and an accompanying stamp that showed the natural scenery. I purchased the presentation pack, a set of gummed stamps and a set of stamped postcards.

An Unexpected Journey 2012

After a decade long hiatus, Middle-earth returned to the big screen and NZ Post outlets. Another presentation pack again with 6 mini-sheets, a 6 stamp set first day cover and a set of adhesive stamps. I also purchased 6 individual first day cover and a 6 postcard set.

Battle of the Five Armies 2013

The sequel the the first Hobbit film saw another 6 stamp issue, and another presentation pack. I again bought the first day issue envelope set and postcard set for each stamp.

The Desolation of Smaug 2014

The final film of the second trilogy saw a final 6 stamp issue, and another presentation pack. I again bought the first day issue envelope set and postcard set for each stamp.

The One Ring round stamp 2016

The Ring in this $10 stamp is embossed with 22ct gold, with the perforations set within a map of Middle-earth.

Lord of the Rings trilogy 20th Anniversary stamps

Featuring artwork by renowned artist Sacha Lees, these sets were released for the 20th anniversary of each of the Lord of the Rings films. I bought presentation packs of each set. A very limited run (less than 50 if I recall correctly) were also released that were signed by Sacha … I bought one of each of these too! (These the bottom row of sets in the picture above, where you can see the front signed with silver marker).

UK ROYAL POST

Tolkien Author and Illustrator 2004

This first day cover (Postmarked from Oxford) and unmarked stamp sets featured the artwork drawn by JRR Tolkien. The stamp set also came with a leather bookmark.

AUSTRALIA POST

Return of the King 2003

Easily my least favourite Middle-earth stamp set. The stamps are essentially a normal stamp with a LotR tab attached to it. Would still never have bought if if it wasn’t among a bundle of other postage stamps that I was after. They were essentially free.

Shire Post Stamps

These are not official postage stamps. Rather, they are stamps that were made by Shire Post Mint. Originally, they were a fan based postal service. You could send a regular letter to them in the US. The would re-envelope it, put a Hobbiton Shire stamp on it and post mark it and then put it in another regaled mail envelope and forward it to your desired recipient. It would be like they got a letter from a Hobbit in the Shire. The Tolkien Estate shut this venture down (they also produced coins) before years later agreeing to licence to Shire Post to mint LotR/Hobbit coins. The original stamps are rare these days and I enjoy having these in my stamp collection.