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New Zealand Mint Issues Star War Coins

RENEE MONTAGNE, host:

And our last word in business, today: using The Force for Finance. The tiny Pacific island nation of Niue, which is linked to New Zealand, has announced new coins. The coins will be adorned with some familiar faces, Luke, Leia, Yoda and Darth Vader.

In November, the New Zealand mint will offer a limited edition of Star Wars coins. While the coins are meant to be collectible, they will actually be legitimate currency for Niue's 2,000 residents. Each coin is worth two New Zealand dollars but will cost far more for collectors. One set of 18 coins will retail for about $470 U.S.

The island's government, which depends heavily on aid, will receive a royalty payment from the New Zealand mint. The flip side of the coins will have the image of Queen Elizabeth II, that's New Zealands head of state.

And that's the business news from MORNING EDITION on NPR News. I'm Renee Montagne.

(Soundbite of Star Wars theme) Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.