Lions in the money before tour starts

A commemorative coin for the Lions Tour.

Three legal-tender coins to commemorate the Lions tour will be available next week, but the Barmy Army are unlikely to buy their pints with the expensive keepsakes.

Fans and collectors can buy them through the New Zealand Post and the Royal Mint next Wednesday. Coins can also be reserved through the Royal Mint, which will produce the pieces.

A 22-carat gold coin with a $10 face value will cost $495. Each coin comes with a red presentation case and a certificate that confirms its place in the official, limited issue of 1000.

The Royal Mint also will produce two $1 coins.

The sterling silver $1 coin, plus case and certificate, will cost $79, and 5000 will be issued. The least expensive option, a nickel-brass $1 coin in a presentation folder, will cost $29, with an issue of 50,000.

One side of each coin features a design by artist Michael Guilfoyle, depicting a running rugby player, an outline New Zealand and the Lions crest.

The traditional image of Queen Elizabeth remains on the other side.

On June 1, New Zealand Post will also issue stamps and postage-included souvenir cards to commemorate the tour. A set of four stamps will cost $3.90. A collector's pack that includes each design of the stamps and the cards will also be available.