Cook Islands – 2022 – 5 Dollars – Matterhorn

Description

The Matterhorn is certainly one of the most famous mountains in the world. With its nearly perfect symmetrical pyramidal peak, it defines what many consider a true mountain. It is both awe-inspiring and intimidating to even the most skilled mountaineers and has taken the lives of well over 500 climbers making it also one of the deadliest mountains to climb. It extends 14,692 ft (4,478m) above sea level and is one of the highest summits in the Alps and Europe. It wasn’t conquered until 1865 when Edward Whymper and 6 other men beat out an Italian group of climbers to reach the summit.

Whymper noted down:

“At 1.40 p.m. the world was at our feet, and the Matterhorn was conquered. Hurrah! Not a footstep could be seen.”

Precisely at this moment the Italian team was approximatively 400 meters below, still dealing with the most difficult parts of the Italian ridge. When seeing their rivals on the summit they gave up on their attempt and went back home. 4 of the 6 Whymper’s team members lost their lives on the descent. All but one (whose body was never found) are buried in the Zermatt churchyard.

In more recent times, the Matterhorn was made popular by the projections of country flags to show support and unity during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

These two coins are struck to capture the majesty and awe that the Matterhorn gives. Through a combination of selective coloring and smartminting® ultra-high relief, the 2 oz silver coin captures the impressive mountain in all of its snow-covered details. You can almost hear the winds howling around its massive structure. Only 999 will be produced so it is just as scarce as it is beautiful! There is also a half gram gold companion with a mintage of only 5,000 which is just as beautiful to look at.