Lord of the Rings 50p coin with hidden message up for grabs

The launch of the coin on Wednesday marked the 25th anniversary of the release of Peter Jackson’s film The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring.

Made in collaboration with Warner Bros Discovery Global Consumer Products, the coin is the first in a seven-strong collection that will celebrate The Lord of the Rings epic fantasy films across the next three years, with future releases timed to mark the 25th anniversaries of all three films.

READ MORE: Fans celebrate Lord of the Rings announcement

The coin design centres on the One Ring, the driving force behind the JRR Tolkien saga and a symbol of power.

The author of fantasy tales The Lord of the Rings and its prequel The Hobbit lived in Oxford and was a member of literary group The Inklings, which would meet regularly at The Eagle and Child pub in St Giles. CS Lewis was also a member.

Designed by Royal Mint coin designer Thomas T Docherty, the reverse or “tails” side of the 50p also features the Elvish lettering and Black Speech inscribed on the Ring, representing the words: “One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.”

The Lord of the Rings coin (Image: Royal Mint/PA)

A selection of the 50p coins will include what the Mint described as a “groundbreaking” feature as part of the design.

When light strikes the surface of the coin, a hidden image is revealed, the Eye of Sauron, emerging from the negative space at the centre of the Ring.

Craftspeople at The Royal Mint engineered the coin’s surface to focus light in a precise and deliberate way.

JRR and Edith Tolkien with grandson Simon Tolkien at the house in 1966 (Image: Contributed)

Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at The Royal Mint, said: “Even the most devoted Fellowship of collectors couldn’t have imagined a coin quite like this.

“To mark 25 years since Peter Jackson first brought Middle-earth to the big screen, The Royal Mint have unveiled a collectable 50p coin to celebrate the anniversary.”

Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf (Image: Royal Mail/PA Wire)

Highlighting the use of caustic technology to reveal the hidden image of the Eye of Sauron within the One Ring, Ms Morgan said: “It’s a remarkable feat of British craftsmanship, and one that fans will have to see to believe.

“Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a dedicated collector this is one coin you absolutely will want to own.”

Each coin’s packaging will feature the map of Middle-earth, designed so that the collection can be displayed together or individually.

The Lord of the Rings 50p coin has been available to purchase from 9am on May 20 from the Royal Mint’s website, with prices starting at £15.