Star Wars characters to appear on nation’s currency

Characters from the Star Wars epic are to appear on a nation’s currency for the first time in history.

Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker and Yoda are among the heroes and villains who will join the British Queen on coins issued by the South Pacific island state of Niue.

A set of 40 coins is being produced by the New Zealand Mint.

As legal tender, the coins will have a face value of NZ$2, but the silver content in each is worth considerably more than that.

The coins have been targeted mainly towards collectors and investors around the world to try to boost Niue’s revenue.

Sets of four coins, each containing 1oz of silver, will sell for NZ$469.

If that price is too high for Star Wars fans, other coins struck in silver-plated base metal will cost much less.

“You wouldn’t want to go and spend them because they’re only worth $2, but the value is much more than that,” said Chris Kirkness of the New Zealand Mint.

“No one is going to go buy an ice-cream with them.

“Traditionally, who would buy these would be coin collectors, but this product opens up the market as a gift product and for enthusiasts of Star Wars.

“You know Star Wars if you’re seven or 70.”

The Star Wars characters will be depicted in colour on the reverse of the new coins, while a traditional representation of the Queen by the sculptor Raphael Maklouf will be the main feature on the other side of the coin.

The first issue of the coins will go on display at the American Numismatics Association’s show in Chicago next week.

Further coins will be released up until 2014.

The Star Wars film series, created by George Lucas, spawned a huge cult following after being released in May 1977.

Niue, a remote Polynesian state of only 1,400 people, normally uses New Zealand currency.

It’s not the first time the island nation has made unusual headlines. Niue sparked controversy in April with the commemorative stamp it issued to celebrate the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

The stamp featured a perforated line down the middle, which split the couple.