Friday, May 30, 2008

Sir Ed Hillary "Good as Gold"

Since the passing of Everest pioneer Sir Edmund Hillary at the beginning of this year, New Zealanders (including the Government) have been looking for appropriate ways to make a fuss over his contribution to this country, and the world in general.

It started with a state funeral here in New Zealand, including an ice-axe guard of honour from the New Zealand Alpine Club.

Another celebration of his life was held in Nepal, where he devoted so much of his life to helping the locals by funding schools, hospitals and other projects.

Then a special memorial service was held in London, so that the Queen herself could pay her respects. Not bad. I don't think the Queen takes much notice when mountaineers die, but since Ed reached the summit of Everest on the same day as her coronation, they have that special something shared between them.


And now, thanks to the fab folks at New Zealand Post, you can buy your own limited-edition Sir Edmund Hillary gold coin! Yep, you know you've made it when they stamp your face into a quarter ounce of 99.9% pure gold. (Plus he's on the $5 note, which is what most of us can afford.)
If you're the collecting type, the gold coins are $520 each. If you're more of a collector wanna-be and don't have that kind of cash to blow on a coin you'll never spend, you can get the silver version for a more affordable $89.

Actually, as far as I can see from these pictures (courtesy of New Zealand Post, by the way) the silver one looks a lot nicer anyway.

If you're interested, here's the link to the online store. Get 'em hot off the press!

1 comment:

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