Prime Minister John Key has scored a world first a year out from the Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand. Mr Key has been presented this morning with the 'number one' Official Rugby World Cup 2011 Webb Ellis Cup coin.

This limited edition coin release is also the first issue in the 2011 coin programme. The Prime Minister received the pure silver, New Zealand legal tender coin from New Zealand Post CEO Brian Roche at the RWC 2011 Business Breakfast at Wellington Regional Stadium.

Mr Roche said the coin provides fans with the opportunity to claim their own piece of history to mark the largest sports event ever to be held in New Zealand.

"The Rugby World Cup will leave a lasting legacy on this country. This coin provides an enduring memento of what will be a great event.

"New Zealand Post is delighted that our Prime Minister received coin number one, one year-out from the World Cup," Mr Roche said.

The coin, authorised by the Reserve Bank, is New Zealand legal tender. The 'tails' side features the Webb Ellis Cup in special high relief and 24 carat gold gilding, presented in intricate detail. The 'heads' side is a portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Giving the coin a uniquely New Zealand element, a Mangopare (hammerhead shark) and the Koru (fern shoot) design, created specifically for the Rugby World Cup 2011 tournament, are engraved into the top and bottom third of the coin.

New Zealand Post has also today released the Rugby World Cup 2011 stamp, featuring the official Rugby World Cup 2011 Event Mark. The Official Rugby World Cup 2011 Webb Ellis Cup coin and the Rugby World Cup 2011 stamps are the first stamp and coin releases in the Official Rugby World Cup 2011 commemorative range.