All the way back in 1977 when Star Wars debuted, it was envisaged as a nine-movie triple trilogy. What is now known as the Original Trilogy (1977-1983). actual constitutes episodes 4-6 in the sequence of 9. The Prequel Trilogy followed between 1999-2005 and formed episodes 1-3. The latest, and last series of three films has become known as the Sequel Trilogy,

The ninth movie in the whole saga is to be released this December, and as with the last couple of films, the New Zealand Mint is marking the occasion with some new precious metal coins. Called The Rise of Skywalker, it wraps up what has been a successful, but controversial trilogy. The film makers were never going to please everybody, and movies as beloved as the original three at least, will always have fans with their own ideas on how the story should have progressed.

These are decent movies in their own rights, with some great special effects, but for me at least, they do kind of remind us that most of the movies that had gone before were nowhere near as good as we remember. I liked Star Wars, and loved The Empire Strikes Back, but the next four releases hardly broke any boundaries and often bordered on distinctly average. The last couple have been decent, but compared to some of the more innovative sci-fi movies of recent years, unadventurous. Anyway, just my opinion and everybody has a different one.

Whatever the case, certainly a worthy subject for some new coins given this is the last movie of nine planned in a single story told over 42 years – clearly impressive in movie terms. Two silver coins and a solitary gold comprise the offerings available from today.