New Zealand, the backdrop of sweeping cinematic scenes from "The Lord of the Rings" and the upcoming trilogy "The Hobbit," is issuing a series of Hobbit coins. The coins are a sort of genius marketing move meant to generate " strong international interest in the build up to the premiere " of the "Hobbit" premiere on Nov. 28. (Is "The Flight of the Conchord's" band manager Murray Hewitt behind the idea?)

The 99.99 percent gold coins retail for NZ$3,695 ($3,027 U.S.), but are worth just NZ$10 at face value. It looks pretty much like a gold coin but with a rim inscribed, in both English and Dwarvish, with the words 'Middle-earth - New Zealand.'

Intense, right? More relaxed fans can spring for the the cheapest coin, a NZ$1 coin that sells for NZ$29.90, which features "The Hobbit's" Bilbo Baggins. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and pre-order yours now.