Description: This imaginative philatelic item is the 20-pence denomination from the iconic "Magical Worlds: Classic Fantasy Books for Children" commemorative set issued by the Royal Mail. Illustrated by artist Peter Malone, the visual narrative brings a famous moment to life with a colossal, orange-scaled dragon baring its teeth and extending its long pink tongue toward a frightened hobbit in a yellow coat. The background is cast in deep, fiery tones of reddish-brown and orange gradient hues, suggesting the smoldering subterranean warmth of a treasure hoard. Along the left border, the vertical text "The Hobbit by J.R.R. TOLKIEN" clarifies the source inspiration, while a shimmering gold-foil silhouette of Queen Elizabeth II anchors the top right corner.
Circa: 1998
Condition: MNH
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