Gold and silver coins featuring the late Sir Edmund Hillary against a backdrop of Mount Everest were released in New Zealand on Thursday, the 55th anniversary of his historic ascent of the world’s highest peak with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay.

New Zealand Post, which issued the commemorative coins, said part of the proceeds of their sale would go to the Himalayan Trust that Hillary established for the Sherpa people of Nepal.

One of New Zealand’s best loved national heroes, Sir Edmund Hillary’s life was filled with many great achievements that earned him worldwide fame.

The first man to conquer Mount Everest in 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary went on to devote much of his life to improving those of others, especially the people of his beloved Nepal.

Following his passing in January 2008, and with the exclusive support of Sir Edmund Hillary’s family, this very special New Zealand coin release pays tribute to this extraordinary but humble man who will be remembered for ever.

The gold coin, which has a face value of 10 New Zealand dollars (about 8 US dollars), is being sold for 50 times that. Only 1,953 have been minted, representing the year the Everest was first climbed.

A maximum 10,000 of the silver coins, which have a legal tender value of 1 New Zealand dollar and sell for 89 New Zealand dollars, are being minted.

Both coins have a portrait of Queen Elizabeth, who is also Queen of New Zealand, on the reverse.