2013 BVI Everest Crown

2003 Everest Crown – British Virgin Islands

The 2003 Everest Crown is a commemorative coin issued by the British Virgin Islands (BVI) to mark the 50th anniversary of the first successful ascent of Mount Everest in 1953. This significant event in mountaineering history was achieved by Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay of Nepal on May 29, 1953.

The coin was issued as a crown-sized commemorative piece, struck in various metals including cupro-nickel and silver, making it a popular collector's item.

Design Features

Obverse (Front)

• Features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Ian Rank-Broadley.
• The inscription around the portrait reads:
  ➡ "BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS"
  ➡ "ELIZABETH II"
  ➡ The year "2003" at the bottom.

Reverse (Back)

• Design: two mountaineers climbing Mount Everest, with a small inset of Queen Elizabeth II wearing the Coronation Crown, the world’s highest peak at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet).
• The inscription reads:
  ➡ "Golden Jubilee of The Coronation"
  ➡ "1953 - 2003"
•  "ONE DOLLAR".

Specifications

• Country of Issue: British Virgin Islands (BVI)
• Metal: Issued in Cupro-Nickel
• Weight: ~28.28g
• Diameter: 38.6 mm
• Edge: Reeded
• Denomination: One Crown ($1 BVI Dollar)
• Mint: Produced by the Pobjoy Mint, which mints many of BVI’s commemorative coins.

Historical Significance

The conquest of Everest in 1953 was one of the greatest achievements in human exploration and endurance. It was announced to the world on June 2, 1953, the same day as the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, making it a symbol of British and Commonwealth achievement.

The 2003 Everest Crown pays tribute to this event, honoring Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, whose legacy continues to inspire adventurers worldwide..