New Zealand Post Thursday issued gold and silver coins commemorating the 55th anniversary of EdmundHillary's conquest of Mt. Qomolangma.
Hillary, who died in January at the age of 88, and his Sherpa guide Tenzing Norgay were the first climbers to reach the summit of the world's highest mountain on May 29, 1953.
The 24 carat gold and pure silver coins, bearing the legend "A Lifetime of Achievement", depict Hillary against a backdrop of Mt. Qomolangma, The Dominion Post daily reported on Thursday.
Only 1953 gold coins will be minted, with a legal tender of 10 NZ dollars (7.8 U.S. dollars) and priced at 520 NZ dollars. The coin is 0.999 percent pure gold proof and weighs a quarter of an ounce.
A maximum of 10,000 silver coins will be produced, with a legal tender of 1 NZ dollar and priced at 89 NZ dollars. It is 0.999 percent pure silver proof and weighs an ounce.
Some of the funds raised from the coins would go to the Himalayan Trust founded by Hillary.
Source: Xinhua
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article