"I was just an enthusiastic mountaineer of modest abilities who was willing to
work quite hard and had the necessary imagination and determination" - Sir
Edmund Hillary.
When Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay stood atop the great mountain on May
29 1953 they had no idea that the world would still be celebrating 50 years later.
The now world-famous ascent by a New Zealand bee-keeper and his Nepalese Sherpa
has been recognised as one of the greatest feats of mankind.
To mark this historic occasion, New Zealand Mint has produced a .999 pure silver
coin issued under the authority of the Kingdom of Nepal. This 1oz proof coin
is not only endorsed by Sir Edmund Hillary himself, but also by the Tenzing
Norgay family and the Royal Geographic Society (co-funders of the triumphant
1953 British-led expedition).
Coin Obverse
The obverse of the coin features the traditional Nepalese design that includes
the title of the monarch and the Bikram Samvat Era (VS) date of 2060 (i.e. 2003
+ 57).
Coin Reverse
The reverse is based on a photograph taken of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing
Norgay clad in their mountaineering gear, as they prepare for the final attempt
up the South face of Mt Everest. The photocomposition has been reworked such
that the two climbers mimic the mountain's profile.
 CERTIFICATE
Each Everest 50th Anniversary pure silver coin comes with an individually numbered
Certificate of Authenticity issued by New Zealand Mint.
 PACKAGING
Encapsulated within a quality leatherette case, adorned with an Everest 50th
Anniversary logo.
| Specifications | | | Weight | 1 oz | | Purity | .999 Silver | | Quality | Proof | | Max Mintage | 8000 | | Issuer | Kingdom of Nepal | | Year | 2060 (VS date) | | Diameter | 40.0mm (1.575in) | | Thickness | 2.9mm (0.114in) |
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