The Xchange

EVEREST 50th ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE SILVER COIN

Articles / Numismatics
Date: Aug 05, 2003 - 09:15 AM
"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
Weight1 oz
Purity.999 Silver
QualityProof
Max Mintage8000
IssuerKingdom of Nepal
Year2060 (VS date)
Diameter40.0mm (1.575in)
Thickness2.9mm (0.114in)
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