Little did Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay realise that morning in 1953 how important a few minutes spent on a hard patch of snow would lead them off on all manner of great adventures. For the rest of the world, this was adventure enough.

On the Golden Anniversary of this momentous occasion, New Zealand Mint has minted a .9999 pure gold coin issued under the authority of the Kingdom of Nepal.

This highly limited ¼ oz proof coin will no doubt sell out. Based on an image provided by the Royal Geographic Society (co-funders of the triumphant 1953 British-led expedition), the coin has the personal endorsement of Tenzing Norgay's family and Sir Edmund Hillary himself.

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 gold coin comes with an individually numbered Certificate of Authenticity issued by New Zealand Mint.

PACKAGING
Encapsulated within a quality wooden case, adorned with an Everest 50th Anniversary logo.