A closer look
Government officials in New Zealand legally permitted the temporary circulation of physical coins featuring the stamped faces of various fictional hobbits and wizards during the height of the wildly successful Lord of the Rings movie franchise marketing push. While these novelty pieces of metal were technically considered legal tender that could theoretically be used to purchase actual groceries or pay off a minor utility bill, their inherent collectible value was immediately recognized by massive throngs of fantasy nerds who hoarded them instantly. This hilarious blending of deep economic policy with massive corporate movie synergy proves that even the most serious central banking authorities are totally willing to temporarily compromise the dignified integrity of their national currency if it means attracting millions of dollars in tourist revenue from obsessive foreigners wearing plastic elf ears
