LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) - Shave and a haircut, two Gandalfs? Actor Ian McKellen officially launched the British Royal Mint's new series of coins commemorating "The Lord of the Rings," reports website Empire Online. The coins feature characters and imagery from Peter Jackson's trilogy based on the novels by J.R.R. Tolkien and will be legal tender in New Zealand, where the films were shot. "It's very touching," says McKellen. "New Zealand's quite a small country and for the 18 months we were filming 'Lord of the Rings,' the biggest employer of any industry in the whole country was the film ... There is an absolute devotion. " McKellen portrays the wizard Gandalf in the three films. The 50 cent coin features his character in full beard and pointy hat. "I'm delighted with the way Gandalf has been captured," says the 64-year-old actor. "It's a wonderful reflection of the success of the films." Other designs include: The One Ring, Frodo and the Nazgul, Arwen saving Frodo, Sauron's Tower, Helm's Deep and King Theoden. The coins will be issued some time in December. The final installment of the films, "The Return of the King," will open Wednesday, Dec. 17. ________________________________ Changes to your subscription (unsubs, nomail, digest) can be made by going to http://sandboxmail.net/mailman/listinfo/sndbox_sandboxmail.net
