SHEQEL - Page 4.1 - Commemorative Coins Page 1 : 1958-1970

Chapter IV
Commemorative Coins
Page 1
1958 - 1970
IL = Lira

1958

MENORAH
10th Anniversary of Independence
1958 / 5718

BU - matte finish

Proof & fake 'Proof' - shiny finish

CAT. #

DENOMI-
NATION

GRADE

ALLOY

FINE-
NESS

Ø
MM

WT.
GR.

EDGE

MINTMARK

MINT

MINTAGE

REMARKS

xxVALUExx
USD

21.1

5 IL

silver

.900

34.0

25.0

inscribed

none

Utrecht

97,860

Matte finish. Edge: "10th Year of the State of Israel".

28.00

21.1F

Forged (matte-surface) BU coin (cat. # 21.1), buffed to look like a glossy Proof coin, almost non-discernible from a genuine Proof coin.

30.00

21.2

5 IL

Proof

silver

.900

34.0

25.0

inscribed

none

Utrecht

2,000

Matte raised legend on on shiny background. Edge: "10th Year of the State of Israel".

250.00

The seven-branched Menorah, among the best-known symbols of Judaism, is also a well-known numismatic symbol in Jewish history. It was found on coins of the period of Mattathias Antigonus, the last of the Hasmoneans. After the destruction of the Second Temple the Romans pillaged all the sacred vessels. The pictorial replica of the seven-branched Menorah, which stood in the temple, was preserved in a relief in the Titus Arch in Rome. The State of Israel adopted that same Menorah as its State symbol.

On the coin's obverse, in an incused trapezoid appears a stylized Menorah, a seven-branched candelabrum.

The "Menorah" coin, also popularly known as "Tenth Anniversary", is Israel's first commemorative, and by far its most controversial coin minted entirely for the collectors' market. Both the fledgling Bank of Israel (est. 1954), and the just-formed Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation (IGCMC), had no experience whatsoever in the issuance of commemorative coins. When both the mass-produced BU coin and the limited-edition Proof coin were distributed to collectors, it became soon known that it is difficult to discern between both versions, as no mintmarks were used. This oversight and the scarcity of the Proof coin, prompted some unscrupulous local dealers to have numerous BU coins carefully buffed by a metal tooling workshop, in order to obtain the same glossy surface as the Proof version, and to pass them off as "genuine Proof" coins to unsuspecting buyers. "Proof" fakes have become collectors' items too, and are traded a at few dollars above the price of BU coins.

LAW IS LIGHT
Hanukka Series
1958 / 5719

CAT. #

DENOMI-
NATION

GRADE

ALLOY

FINE-
NESS

Ø
MM

WT.
GR.

EDGE

MINTMARK

MINT

MINTAGE

REMARKS

VALUE
USD

22.1

1 IL

cu-ni

32.0

14.0

plain

none

Bern

149,594

2.50

22.2

1 IL

Proof

cu-ni

32.0

14.0

plain

none

Bern

5,000

25.00

Israel's first Hanukka coin has on its obverse not a nine-branched Hanukka Lamp, but a seven-branched Menorah. This symbol first appeared on coins minted circa 40 BC, during the reign of the last Hasmonean king Mattathias Antigonus. The Hebrew words "Torah-Or" (Law is Light) are part of the verse "Commandment is a lamp and the Torah light" (Proverbs 6:23).

Without a mintmark on either version, it is extremely difficult to make any distinction between a BU and Proof coin. The Proof version should theoretically have a more glossy surface than the BU coin, and have a blue-gray hue. The BU coin's appearance should be more yellowish. Also, the raised inscriptions on the Proof coin should have a frosted appearance, as against dull matte on the BU coin. According to several sources both Proof and BU coins were struck from the same dies. The first coins coming off the press would have a distinct glossy surface, frosted raised inscriptions and a high relief. These coins were then offered for sale by the IGCMC as Proofs. When the die started showing signs of wear, the surface gloss started to diminish, and the frosted appearance of the raised parts slowly started to take on a dull matte look, all further coins minted with the same die would be marketed as BU's.

1959

INGATHERING OF THE EXILES
11th Anniversary of Independence
1959/ 5719

CAT. #

DENOMI-
NATION

GRADE

ALLOY

FINE-
NESS

Ø
MM

WT.
GR.

EDGE

MINTMARK

MINT

MINTAGE

REMARKS

VALUE
USD

23.1

5 IL

silver

.900

34.0

25.0

inscribed

none

Bern

27,016

Edge: "11th Year of the State of Israel".

28.00

23.2

5 IL

Proof

silver

.900

34.0

25.0

inscribed

obv. 'Mem'

Bern

4,682

Edge: "11th Year of the State of Israel".

35.00

The Declaration of Independence states that Israel shall open to "the ingathering of the exiles". In 1959, eleven Years after Israel's independence, the total number of immigrants had reached the one million mark.

The coin's obverse depicts a circle of eleven dancers, symbolizing eleven Years of Statehood, and the inscription "Your children will return to their own borders" (Jeremiah 31:17).
On the obverse of the Proof coin the small 'Mem' mintmark appears near the bottom edge.

An unknown quantity of coins was struck with a 45º rotation.

1960

DEGANIA
Hanukka Series
1960 / 5720

(Issued in 1959)

CAT. #

DENOMI-
NATION

GRADE

ALLOY

FINE-
NESS

Ø
MM

WT.
GR.

EDGE

MINTMARK

MINT

MINTAGE

REMARKS

VALUE
USD

28.1

1 IL

cu-ni

32.0

14.0

plain

none

Utrecht

49,455

4.00

28.2

1 IL

Proof

cu-ni

32.0

14.0

plain

obv. 'Mem'

Utrecht

4,702

25.00

Kibbutz Degania, "Mother of the collective villages", celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1959. This Hanukka coin also celebrates the jubilee of Israel's collective agricultural movement.

The coin depicts a view of Degania on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, silhouettes of cypresses, palm trees and dwellings. The large cypress tree on the left was planted in 1948 and is called "Cypress of the State".
On the Proof coin the small 'Mem' mintmark is positioned between the base of the two cypresses, near the edge of the coin.

The coin was issued towards December 1959 to celebrate Hanukka 5720. However, in contrast to all other Hanukka coins, this coin incorrectly bears the date of the next Gregorian year - 1960. The correct date should have been 1959, the actual year of issue and the year in which Hanukka 5720 was celebrated.

THEODOR HERZL
12th Anniversary of Independence
1960 / 5720

CAT. #

DENOMI-
NATION

GRADE

ALLOY

FINE-
NESS

Ø
MM

WT.
GR.

EDGE

MINTMARK

MINT

MINTAGE

REMARKS

VALUE
USD

29.1

5 IL

silver

.900

34.0

25.0

inscribed

none

Bern

34,281

Edge: "12th Year of the State of Israel" incuse diamond "Centenary of Herzl's birth".

28.00

29.2

5 IL

Proof

silver

.900

34.0

25.0

inscribed

rev. 'Mem'

Bern

4,827

Edge: "12th Year of the State of Israel" incuse diamond "Centenary of Herzl's birth".

35.00

20 IL

gold

.917

22.0

07.988

reeded

none

Bern

10,460

Including 50-70 coins described below.

600.00

Proof

50 - 70

The first 50-70 BU 20 IL gold coins minted, are of Proof quality and lustre.

If the Jewish people desire it, then they will have their own State", wrote Theodor Herzl in his book "Der Judenstaat" (The Jewish State). He aroused the collective will of a nation and raised the dreams of of redemption on the road to political realization. In September 1897 Herzl wrote: In Basel I founded the Jewish State. Perhaps in five Years, but certainly in 50 Years, everyone will be convinced of this." On 29th November 1947, exactly fifty Years later, the General Assembly of the United Nations passed a resolution recommending the establishment of an independent Jewish State. The rest is history...

The coin's obverse shows Herzl's portrait, and "It is no legend", part of Herzl's famous saying "If you will it is no legend".
The Proof 5 Lirot coin has a small 'Mem' mintmark on its reverse, in the center of the lower edge, left of the tail of the number 5.

The silver 5 Lirot coins have two incused diamonds in the edge inscription, between the last and first word of both texts.

HENRIETTA SZOLD
Hanukka Series
1960 / 5721

CAT. #

DENOMI-
NATION

GRADE

ALLOY

FINE-
NESS

Ø
MM

WT.
GR.

EDGE

MINTMARK

MINT

MINTAGE

REMARKS

VALUE
USD

32.1

1 IL

cu-ni

32.0

14.0

plain

none

Utrecht

16,781

15.00

32.2

1 IL

Proof

cu-ni

32.0

14.0

plain

obv. 'Mem'

Utrecht

3,000

85.00

The 1960 Hanukka coin is dedicated to Henrietta Szold on the occasion of the centenary of her birth in 1860. She was the founder of Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America, a pioneer of Youth Aliya, and instrumental in activities connected with the upbringing of underprivileged children. Henrietta Szold is also credited with the founding of modern medical services in Israel.

A cloaked figure of a shepherdess graces the coin's obverse. She is tenderly enfolding a newborn lamb in her arms, symbolizing Henrietta Szold's contribution to Youth Aliya and her love and concern for the frail children. On the reverse is an areal view of the Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem.
The Proof coin has a small 'Mem' mintmark on its obverse, below the shepherdess, at the bottom end of the coin, almost touching the rim.

1961

HALF SHEQEL
1961 / 5721

CAT. #

DENOMI-
NATION

GRADE

ALLOY

FINE-
NESS

Ø
MM

WT.
GR.

EDGE

MINTMARK

MINT

MINTAGE

REMARKS

VALUE
USD

31.1A

½ IL

cu-ni

30.0

12.0

plain

none

Utrecht

19,939

5.00

31.1B

½ IL

Proof

cu-ni

30.0

12.0

pain

rev. 'Mem'

Utrecht

4,901

15.00

The origin of the use of a Half Sheqel coin is to be found in the Bible, Exodus 30:11-15. "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying: When thou takest the sum of the children of Israel after their number, then shall they give every man a ransom for his soul unto the Lord, when thou numberest them; that there be no plague among them, when thou numberest them. This they shall give, every one that passeth among them that are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary (a shekel [is] twenty gerahs) an half shekel [shall be] the offering of the Lord. Every one that passeth among them that are numbered, from twenty Years old and above, shall give an offering unto the Lord. The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when [they] give an offering unto the Lord, to make an atonement for your souls." Jews living in the Diaspora collected the Half Sheqel and forwarded the money to the Holy Land, to help maintain learning. This was done in keeping with the custom prevailing during the Second Jewish Commonwealth, when the Half Sheqel was collected abroad and sent to Jerusalem, as a contribution to the Temple.
The ritual of collecting a Half Sheqel is still performed today in synagogues in Israel and the Diaspora, with its present primary purpose giving to the needy and poor. As in biblical times, the Half Sheqel is collected on the 13th Adar (or 13th Adar II in a leap year), before the Mincha (afternoon) prayer. The 13th of Adar (or Adar II) is also - coincidentally - the Fast of Esther which precedes the Purim festival. This proximity to Purim, as well as the Purim customs of Mishloach Manot (giving food gifts to friends) and Matanot Le-evyonim (giving charity to the poor), is the source of much misunderstanding about the correct meaning and purpose of the Half Sheqel. Today it is often mistakenly thought that the Half Sheqel is a Purim-related custom, even going as far as calling it the "Purim Half Sheqel". Historians believe that Moses, during whose lifetime the Half Sheqel ritual was initiated, lived in the 13th century BC, whereas the Book of Esther from which the Purim festival takes its cue, dates from 355 BC. When the events described in the Book of Esther took place, the Half Sheqel custom was already almost a millennium old!

The Bank of Israel issued in the Year 5721 (1961) a special Half Sheqel coin with a face value of ½ Lira. Its obverse shows a silver Half Sheqel struck in Jerusalem during the third Year of the Jewish war against Rome (68/69 AD).
The Proof coin has a small 'Mem' mintmark on its reverse, positioned close to the bottom edge.

BAR MITZVAH
13th Anniversary of Independence
1961 / 5721

CAT. #

DENOMI-
NATION

GRADE

ALLOY

FINE-
NESS

Ø
MM

WT.
GR.

EDGE

MINTMARK

MINT

MINTAGE

REMARKS

VALUE
USD

33.1

5 IL

silver

.900

34.0

25.0

inscribed

none

Utrecht

19,363

Edge: "13th Year of the State of Israel".

35.00

33.2

5 IL

Proof

silver

.900

34.0

25.0

inscribed

obv. 'Mem'

Utrecht

4.455

Edge: "13th Year of the State of Israel".

60.00

At age 13 a Jewish boy celebrates his Bar Mitzvah, his coming of age according to Jewish tradition. In 1961 Israel celebrated its thirteenth Year of independence with the issuance of a commemorative coin with Bar Mitzvah as its motif.

On the obverse of the coin is a stylized reproduction of a Holy Ark as depicted on a gold-glass vessel painted in the 13th century AD, and presently owned by the Vatican. Inside the Ark, Torah scrolls are visible, and steps lead up to its doors. The coin's reverse shows an olive branch bearing ten leaves and three olives, representing Bar Mitzvah and thirteen Years of Statehood.
The Proof coin has a small 'Mem' mintmark on its obverse, to the right of the third step from above (second step from below).

HASMONEAN HERO
Hanukka Series
1961 / 5722

CAT. #

DENOMI-
NATION

GRADE

ALLOY

FINE-
NESS

Ø
MM

WT.
GR.

EDGE

MINTMARK

MINT

MINTAGE

REMARKS

VALUE
USD

34.1

1 IL

cu-ni

32.0

14.0

plain

none

Utrecht

18,801

6.00

34.2

1 IL

Proof

cu-ni

32.0

14.0

plain

obv. 'Mem'

Utrecht

9,324

10.00

The1961/5722 Hanukka coin is dedicated to the courage of the Maccabees in their struggle for freedom against the Seleucids.

The central motif of the coin's obverse is the battle between the Maccabees and Lycias, the Seleucid commander in 162 BC (I Maccabees 1:42-46). In this battle Elazar Horan, brother of Judah the Maccabee, gave up his life in solitary combat against the royal elephant. Elazar drove his sword in the underbelly of the elephant, which in falling crushed him. The battle ended with the defeat of the Seleucids. This battle scene is depicted on the coin's obverse within an incused pentagon, showing a war elephant bearing a turret and Greek soldiers equipped for battle. The elephant is being stabbed by Elazar. The reverse of the coin shows a burning torch.
The Proof coin has a small 'Mem' mintmark on its obverse, between the bottom legs of the elephant.

1962

HALF SHEQEL
1962 / 5722

CAT. #

DENOMI-
NATION

GRADE

ALLOY

FINE-
NESS

Ø
MM

WT.
GR.

EDGE

MINTMARK

MINT

MINTAGE

REMARKS

VALUE
USD

31.2A

½ IL

cu-ni

30.0

12.0

plain

none

Utrecht

19,890

5.00

31.2B

½ IL

Proof

cu-ni

30.0

12.0

pain

rev. 'Mem'

Utrecht

9,894

15.00

The Bank of Israel issued in the Year 5722 (1962) the second and last special Half Sheqel coin with a face value of ½ Lira. Its obverse shows a silver Half Sheqel struck in Jerusalem during the third Year of the Jewish war against Rome (68/69 AD).
The Proof coin has a small 'Mem' mintmark on its reverse, positioned close to the bottom edge.

NEGEV
14th Anniversary of Independence
1962 / 5722

CAT. #

DENOMI-
NATION

GRADE

ALLOY

FINE-
NESS

Ø
MM

WT.
GR.

EDGE

MINTMARK

MINT

MINTAGE

REMARKS

VALUE
USD

35.1

5 IL

silver

.900

34.0

25.0

inscribed

none

Utrecht

10,380

Edge: "14th Year of the State of Israel".

28.00

35.2

5 IL

Proof

silver

.900

34.0

25.0

inscribed

obv. 'Mem'

Utrecht

4,960

Edge: "14th Year of the State of Israel".

45.00

The words "Israel shall blossom" that appear on this coin's obverse appear in Isaiah's prophecy: "He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root; Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit." This passage symbolizes Israel's quest to develop its southern desert, the Negev, by increasing its agricultural output and embarking on a program of industrialization and exploitation of minerals and other natural resources.

The 14th Anniversary coin is dedicated to Negev development. Its obverse shows a power-shovel against the starkly contrasting barren hills in the background. The coin's reverse depicts a schematic representation of industrial equipment.
The Proof coin has a small 'Mem' mintmark on its obverse, within the arm of the shovel, close to the coin's edge.

CHAIM WEIZMANN
1962 / 5723

CAT. #

DENOMI-
NATION

GRADE

ALLOY

FINE-
NESS

Ø
MM

WT.
GR.

EDGE

MINTMARK

MINT

MINTAGE

REMARKS

VALUE
USD

50 IL

Proof

gold

.917

27.0

13.34

reeded

obv. 'Mem'

Bern

6,185

900.00

none

100 IL

Proof

gold

.917

33.0

26.68

reeded

obv. 'Mem'

Bern

6,186

1,800.00

none

Chaim Weizmann was born in present-day Belarus in 1874. A fervent Zionist from early age, he was a regular participant in Zionist Congresses, beginning with the second congress, and was regarded as spokesman for the "young generation". Chaim Weizmann developed the concept of "Zionism, a synthesis", which calls for a combination of political and practical work in the Land of Israel. He succeeded in obtaining the Balfour Declaration in 1917, and for several decades was in the center of the political struggle which led to the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. Chaim Weizmann was chosen as the State's first president and served until his death in 1952.

The coin commemorating the tenth anniversary of Chaim Weizmann's death has on its obverse a portrait of Israel's first president.
The Proof coins (all but 10 pcs in both denominations) have a small 'Mem' mintmark on the reverse, just below the State emblem.

ITALIAN LAMP
Hanukka Series
1962 / 5723

CAT. #

DENOMI-
NATION

GRADE

ALLOY

FINE-
NESS

Ø
MM

WT.
GR.

EDGE

MINTMARK

MINT

MINTAGE

REMARKS

VALUE
USD

38.1

1 IL

cu-ni

32.0

14.0

plain

none

Bern

18,801

12.00

38.2

1 IL

Proof

cu-ni

32.0

14.0

plain

obv. 'Mem'

Bern

9,324

25.00

The 1962/5723 Hanukka coin has as its theme a bronze Hanukka Lamp from Italy, dating from the 17th century, now part of the Hanukka Lamps collection of the Bezalel National Museum in Jerusalem. This type was common in the 15th century in North Africa and Sicily, from where it found its way as far as Poland in the 18th century, which proves how strongly Jewish communities throughout the Diaspora were linked together by cultural ties.

The obverse of the coin depicts a decorated Hanukka Lamp. Below is the inscription "Hanukka Lamp from Italy, 17th century".
On the obverse of the Proof coin, a tiny 'Mem' mintmark is positioned below the Hebrew text at the bottom, touching the bottom rim.

1963

SEAFARING
15th Anniversary of Independence
1963 / 5723

CAT. #

DENOMI-
NATION

GRADE

ALLOY

FINE-
NESS

Ø
MM

WT.
GR.

EDGE

MINTMARK

MINT

MINTAGE

REMARKS

VALUE
USD

39.1

5 IL

silver

.900

34.0

25.0

inscribed

none

Rome

5,960

Edge: "15th Year of the State of Israel".

170.00

39.2

5 IL

Proof

silver

.900

34.0

25.0

inscribed

rev. 'Mem'

Rome

4,495

Edge: "15th Year of the State of Israel".

180.00

Nautical symbols appear on Jewish coins during both the First and Second Commonwealth, giving evidence that Hebrew seafaring was well advanced in those days. From the Hasmonean period, coins struck in seaside cities depict anchors. The coins of king Herod I, also known as Herod the Great (37 - 3 BC) depicted anchors as well as ships, probably to celebrate the founding of the port of Caesarea.

The ancient Hebrew galley depicted on this coin's obverse was taken from a likeness found in Jerusalem, in a Hasmonean tomb from the period of the Second Commonwealth. From the mast hangs a rig, and from it many sails. This galley has thirteen oars, the tie men protected by six parapets. At the vessel's stern is a forecastle and tower. Below the fore is an extended battering ram. The aft has a rudder. The text "Fifteenth Year of Israel's Independence is inscribed in Middle (Paleo-) Hebrew characters.
On the reverse appears the funnel and part of the superstructure of a modern ocean going vessel. In the background the Bay of Haifa and Mount Carmel can be seen.
A small 'Mem' mintmark appears on the reverse of the Proof coin, close to the center of the bottom edge.

NORTH AFRICAN LAMP
Hanukka Series
1963 / 5724

CAT. #

DENOMI-
NATION

GRADE

ALLOY

FINE-
NESS

Ø
MM

WT.
GR.

EDGE

MINTMARK

MINT

MINTAGE

REMARKS

VALUE
USD

42.1

1 IL

cu-ni

32.0

14.0

plain

none

Utrecht

9,928

10.00

42.2

1 IL

Proof

cu-ni

32.0

14.0

plain

rev. 'Mem'

Utrecht

5,412

25.00

The 1963/5724 Hanukka coin depicts a Hanukka Lamp from North Africa of the 18th century, now part of the Hanukka Lamps collection of the Bezalel National Museum in Jerusalem. The elaborate style shows decorative elements of various architectural schools, such as Romanesque arches from southern Europe, domes and rooftops inspired by Islamic culture and forms reminiscent of church windows. In this specimen we see the interplay of cultures that dominated this region for many centuries.

The obverse of the coin shows an 18th century Hanukka Lamp from North Africa. Below is the inscription "Hanukka from North Africa, 18th century.
On the Proof coin's reverse, a tiny 'Mem' mintmark is placed below the date at the bottom, close to the bottom rim.

1964

ISRAEL MUSEUM
16th Anniversary of Independence
1964 / 5724

CAT. #

DENOMI-
NATION

GRADE

ALLOY

FINE-
NESS

Ø
MM

WT.
GR.

EDGE

MINTMARK

MINT

MINTAGE

REMARKS

VALUE
USD

43.1

5 IL

silver

.900

34.0

25.0

inscribed

none

Rome

10,967

Edge: "16th Year of the State of Israel".

35.00

43.2

5 IL

Proof

silver

.900

34.0

25.0

inscribed

rev. 'Mem'

Rome

4,421

Edge: "16th Year of the State of Israel".

50.00

The Israel Museum, located opposite the Knesset, Israel's legislature, is made up of a complex of buildings, some of which are unique in their design and appearance. The Biblical and Archaeological Museum houses many fine specimens of archaeological finds from Israel and the Middle East. The pinnacle of any visit to the Israel Museum is a visit to the Shrine of the Book, the dome-shaped building, where one of the nation's greatest treasures are housed, the world-famous Dead Sea Scrolls found in he Judean desert near the Dead Sea. The large museum garden includes a collection of sculptures dating from the 19th century to the present. The Bezalel National Museum includes a rich collection of judaica and other artistic works.

The obverse of the coin depicts a stylized relief of the buildings on "Museum Hill". Its reverse shows a a proto-Aeolic Phoenician style capital and part of a pillar from the 7th or 9th century BC, found at Ramat Rachel on the southern outskirts of Jerusalem. Most probably this piece of ancient craftsmanship was produced by the same foreign professionals hired to engage in constructing king Solomon's First Temple.
The coin's reverse has a small 'Mem' mintmark near the bottom edge, below the Hebrew date.

BANK OF ISRAEL

10TH ANNIVERSARY
1964 / 5725

CAT. #

DENOMI-
NATION

GRADE

ALLOY

FINE-
NESS

Ø
MM

WT.
GR.

EDGE

MINTMARK

MINT

MINTAGE

REMARKS

VALUE
USD

44.1

50 IL

gold

.917

27.0

13.34

reeded

none

Bern

5,975

900.00

44.2

50 IL

Proof

gold

.917

27.0

13.34

reeded

obv. 'Mem'

Bern

1,502

1,500.00

After the initial hardships of the newborn State, the economy began to stabilize in 1954, and it was felt that a central bank was needed. The bank was intended to administer monetary and credit policies within the scope of the government's general economic policy, to issue currency and coin, to administer State loans, to manage Israel's gold and foreign exchange reserves, and to represent the State in international financial institutions. The bank is headed by a governor who acts as economic advisor to the government. The bank was created by the Bank of Israel Law 1954/5714.

The coin's obverse depicts a double cornucopia (horns of plenty). Between the horns is a pomegranate, with grains visible through a split in the rind. The right horn holds a corn of barley, and the left horn a branch with an olive. All are ancient Hebrew portrayals of the Land's goodness.
The proof coin has a small 'Mem' mintmark on its reverse, below the State emblem.
Out of the total quantity of 1,502 Proof coins, 702 were retained by the Bank of Israel for official use.

1965

KNESSET
17th Anniversary of Independence
1965 / 5725

CAT. #

DENOMI-
NATION

GRADE

ALLOY

FINE-
NESS

Ø
MM

WT.
GR.

EDGE

MINTMARK

MINT

MINTAGE

REMARKS

VALUE
USD

45.1

5 IL

silver

.900

34.0

25.0

inscribed

none

Rome

25,147

Edge: "17th Year of the State of Israel".

30.00

45.2

5 IL

Proof

silver

.900

34.0

25.0

inscribed

obv. 'Mem'

Rome

7,537

Edge: "17th Year of the State of Israel".

40.00

The first session of the Knesset, Israel's unicameral parliament of 120 members, was held in Jerusalem on 14th February 1949, in temporary quarters. In the 1950s it was decided to build a permanent home for the nation's legislature. The competition for the design of the new parliament building was won by Jerusalem architect Joseph Klerwein, and inaugurated in 1965.

The coin's obverse shows a stylized rendering of the Knesset, but still very much true to the original, as can be noticed when comparing the coin with a true-life photograph of the building form the same angle.
A small 'Mem' mintmark appears on the obverse of the Proof coin, close to the bottom edge.

1966

ISRAEL LIVES ON
18th Anniversary of Independence
1966 / 5726

CAT. #

DENOMI-
NATION

GRADE

ALLOY

FINE-
NESS

Ø
MM

WT.
GR.

EDGE

MINTMARK

MINT

MINTAGE

REMARKS

VALUE
USD

46.1

5 IL

silver

.900

34.0

25.0

inscribed

none

Utrecht

32,356

Edge: "18th Year of the State of Israel".

30.00

46.2

5 IL

Proof

silver

.900

34.0

25.0

inscribed

rev. 'Mem'

Utrecht

10,368

Edge: "18th Year of the State of Israel".

35.00

The declaration "Am Yisrael Hai!" (The people of Israel lives on) has its origin in the age-old cry "David King of Israel lives on and endures". It was used as an expression of hope, redemption and national freedom. In Hebrew, letters are used as numerals, The letters Yod and Het represent the numbers 10 and 8 respectively. The number 18 corresponds with the 18th birthday of the State of Israel, which traditionally is also the age a young person comes of age. The numeral 18 (Yod-Het) as an anagram of the letters Het - Yod, which meaningfully means "Hai" (Live or lives). Hence, the number 18 is often referred to as "Hai", or a lucky number which forebodes life on the good side. In Jewish tradition it is a well-established custom to round gifts and donations to multiples of 18, i.e. 36 ( 2 x "Hai"), 54 (3 x "Hai", etcetera.

The coin's obverse depicts a stylized rendition of the declaration "Am Yisrael Hai", with the word "Hai" standing out, also as an anagram of the number 18, Israel's 18th birthday, the moment of coming to age.
The Proof coin has a small 'Mem' mintmark between the number 5 and the right edge.

1967

PORT OF EILAT
19th Anniversary of Independence
1967 / 5727

CAT. #

DENOMI-
NATION

GRADE

ALLOY

FINE-
NESS

Ø
MM

WT.
GR.

EDGE

MINTMARK

MINT

MINTAGE

REMARKS

VALUE
USD

48.1

5 IL

silver

.900

34.0

25.0

inscribed

none

Utrecht

30,158

Edge: "19th Year of the State of Israel".

30.00

48.2

5 IL

Proof

silver

.900

34.0

25.0

inscribed

obv. 'Mem'

Utrecht

7,680

Edge: "19th Year of the State of Israel".

35.00

"And king Solomon made a navy of ships in Eziongeber, which is beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red sea, in the land of Edom" (I Kings 9:26). Some three thousand years ago, king Solomon's merchant ships sailed from here to the Horn of Africa and possibly even farther, trading the Holy Land's riches for gold and other precious materials. The first mention of Eilat in the Bible is in the Book Exodus, when it was one of the stations of the Israelites after the Exodus from Egypt. King David conquered Edom, and took over Eilat as well. Because of its strategic position as access point to the Red Sea, Eilat was coveted by many rulers, and during the course of history changed hands numerous times. Israel's sovereignty over Eilat was renewed early 1949 during the final days of the War of Independence, when Israeli forces raised the so-called "Ink Flag" (an Israeli flag hastily made from a piece of white cloth and ink) above the old police station of what was then called Umm Rashrash (a former Ottoman and British outpost). Until 1956 Elat remained blocked for Israeli and Israel-bound shipping, because of the Egyptian blockade of the mouth of the Gulf of Aqaba near the southern tip of the Sinai peninsula. Only in 1957, after the Sinai Campaign and the subsequent lifting of the blockade of the Straits of Tiran by Egypt, Israel's southern port could be opened for international trade. From that time frame onward, Eilat underwent through a process of rapid expansion, mainly as a popular tourist destination. Eilat has a dry and hot desert climate almost all-year round. The Gulf of Aqaba, the arm of the tropical Red Sea on which Eilat is situated, has a relatively stable water temperature range of between 22 degrees Celsius in midwinter and 28 in summer (72 - 82 Fahrenheit), as compared to Israel's Mediterranean coastal water temperature range of 16 and 30 degrees Celsius (61 - 86 Fahrenheit) respectively.

The coin celebrates Israel's 19th Anniversary of Independence, 10 years of free navigation to and from Eilat, and the tenth anniversary of the city's port. On its obverse a stylized rendition of a lighthouse shines into the sky and upon the waves of the sea.
A small 'Mem' mintmark appears on the obverse, below the wave closest to the bottom edge.

VICTORY
1967 / 5727

CAT. #

DENOMI-
NATION

GRADE

ALLOY

FINE-
NESS

Ø
MM

WT.
GR.

EDGE

MINTMARK

MINT

MINTAGE

REMARKS

VALUE
USD

49.1

10 IL

silver

.935

37.0

26.0

inscribed

none

Bern

234,461

Edge: '28 Iyar - 2 Sivan 5727 three incuse stars 5.6 - 10.6 1967".

Fineness 0.935 according to insert card in coin wallet. However, the IGCMC catalog lists fineness as .900 only.

28.00

49.2

10 IL

Proof

silver

.935

37.0

26.0

inscribed

obv. 'Mem'

Kretschmer

50,380

Edge: '28 Iyar - 2 Sivan 5727 three incuse diamonds 5.6 - 10.6 1967".

30.00

100 IL

Proof

gold

.917

33.0

26.68

inscribed

obv. 'Mem

Bern

9,004

Edge: '28 Iyar - 2 Sivan 5727 three incuse stars 5.6 - 10.6 1967".

1,750.00

The "Wailing Wall of the Jews" has been well-documented during the last centuries by pilgrims, tourists and researchers, such as Rev. Josias Leslie Porter, writer of several tourist guides to the Holy Land, who published this picture in his work "Jerusalem, Bethany, and Bethlehem" (1887). Since the destruction of the Second Temple in the year 70 AD until June 1967, access by Jews to the only visible remnant of the Temple was restricted at best, and even prohibited at times. After the liberation of the Western Wall by the Israel's Defense Forces (IDF) in June 1967, "HaKotel" (The Wall) as it is called in short, has become Judaism's prime place of worship. Further excavations have revealed additional sections of the Western and Southern Wall as well as ancient buildings and passages.
The coin was issued to commemorate the Six Day War.

The coin's obverse shows a section of the Western Wall, and its reverse the emblem of the IDF against a stylized star.
A small 'Mem' mintmark appears on he obverse of both the Proof silver 10 IL and gold 100 IL coins, left of the digit 1 in 1967 near the bottom edge.

1968

JERUSALEM
20th Anniversary of Independence
1968 / 5728

Cat. 51.1 & 51.2 - incuse diamond-shaped mark added on edge at various locations, and varying spaces between last and first word of the edge inscription.

CAT. #

DENOMI-
NATION

GRADE

ALLOY

FINE-
NESS

Ø
MM

WT.
GR.

EDGE

MINTMARK

MINT

MINTAGE

REMARKS

VALUE
USD

51.1

10 IL

silver

.900

37.0

26.0

inscribed

none

Bern

49,996

Edge: "20th Year of the State of Israel" + incuse diamond and varying spacing between text.

28.00

51.1a

incl.

Edge: "20th Year of the State of Israel".

40.00

51.2

10 IL

Proof

silver

.900

37.0

26.0

inscribed

obv. 'Mem'

Bern

20,494

Edge: "20th Year of the State of Israel" + incuse diamond and varying spacing between text.

30.00

100 IL

Proof

gold

.800

33.0

25.0

plain

none

Bern

12,490

1,450.00

Jerusalem is mentioned in the Bible no fewer than 650 times. The Holy City of Jerusalem is fundamental to the Jewish experience. For almost exactly 1900 years Israel was exiled and Jerusalem wih them. During those nineteen centuries, Jews continued to yearn for the return of Jerusalem to Jewish sovereignty, citing oaths such as "If I forget thee O Jerusalem, may my right hand loose its cunning", or the wish "Next year in Jerusalem", cited annually during Passover. After the War of Independence of 1948, Jerusalem was partly restored to the Jewish people. However, the Old City and its places holy to Judaism, such as the Western (Wailing) Wall, remained out of reach, behind a fortified and tense Israel-Jordan border that ran through the heart of Jerusalem, making it (with Berlin) one of the world's only two divided cities.
The coin celebrates Israel's 20th Anniversary of Independence and the reunification of Jerusalem as its capital.

The obverse shows a modern panoramic view of the Old City and beyond, as seen from the east. Its reverse depicts the silver seal of the Bar Kochba revolt, widely used on coins during the uprising against the Romans of 132 - 135 AD.
The 10 IL silver Proof coin has a small 'Mem' mintmark near the bottom edge, in the center. The 100 Lirot gold coin has no mintmark, even though it has Proof finish.

Both BU and Proof silver coins have various types of edge markings. On most silver coins an incuse ◊ diamond-shaped mark appears between the last and first word of the edge inscription, at different locations. Also, the spacing between the last and first word of the edge inscription varies. In general, two edge inscription varieties are recognized: "with ◊ incuse diamond" and "without incuse diamond".

Silver coins are occasionally double-struck.
The gold coins are shadowed red; a number of gold coins are shadowed yellow-red.

1969

SHALOM
21st Anniversary of Independence
1969 / 5729

CAT. #

DENOMI-
NATION

GRADE

ALLOY

FINE-
NESS

Ø
MM

WT.
GR.

EDGE

MINTMARK

MINT

MINTAGE

REMARKS

VALUE
USD

53.1

10 IL

silver

.900

37.0

26.0

inscribed

none

SanxFrancisco

39,884

Edge: "21st Year of the State of Israel".

28.00

53.2

10 IL

silver

.900

37.0

26.0

inscribed

obv. 'Kuf'

Kretschmer

20,185

Edge: "21st Year of the State of Israel".

30.00

53.3

10 IL

Proof

silver

.900

37.0

26.0

inscribed

obv. 'Mem'

SanxFrancisco

19,838

Edge: "21st Year of the State of Israel".

30.00

100 IL

Proof

gold

.800

33.0

25.0

plain

obv. 'Mem'

Utrecht

12,500

1,450.00

The 21st Anniversary of Independence coin is dedicated to the Jewish Unknown Soldier (soldiers whose place of burial remains unknown, and fallen soldiers who probably have never been buried).

The coin's obverse bears the inscription from Deuteronomy 34:6, "...but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day", describing the death of Moses, whose burial place also remains unknown. On the right is a steel helmet covered by a net, with an olive sapling rising from it. Its obvberse shows the word "Shalom". The letter Shin the right arm of the Hebrew letter Shin depict the right three branches of the Menorah.
The silver BU coin comes in two varieties. One has no mintmark and was struck by the San Francisco Mint in the US, while the second variety - minted in Jerusalem - has a small (and not always clearly visible) 'Kuf' mintmark on its obverse, below the right end of the helmet, in a triangle formed by the bottom of the helmet, the right root of the olive branch and the edge of the coin. The silver and gold Proof coins have a small 'Mem' mintmark on the far right side of the obverse, right of the helmet.

1970

MIKVEH ISRAEL CENTENNIAL
22nd Anniversary of Independence
1970 / 5730

CAT. #

DENOMI-
NATION

GRADE

ALLOY

FINE-
NESS

Ø
MM

WT.
GR.

EDGE

MINTMARK

MINT

MINTAGE

REMARKS

VALUE
USD

55.1

10 IL

silver

.900

37.0

26.0

inscribed

none

Kretschmer

47,509

Edge: "22nd Year of the State of Israel".

28.00

55.2

10 IL

Proof

silver

.900

37.0

26.0

inscribed

obv. 'Mem'

Bern

22,434

Edge: "22nd Year of the State of Israel".

30.00

Modern Jewish settlement of the Land of Israel started well before the First Aliya of 1881-1882. The Alliance Israelite Universelle was founded in Paris in 1860, being the first Jewish organization aiming at combating antisemitism and social discrimination against Jews worldwide. Along with its political activities it undertook to establish an educational network, establishing schools in fifteen countries where there were Jewish communities. In 1870, on the initiative of Karl Netter, Mikveh Israel, the first agricultural school in the Land of Israel was founded. The aim was to develop a new generation of Jews who would find themselves an honorable livelihood in agricultural pursuits.

The coin is dedicated to the centennial of Mikveh Israel and shows on its obverse a schematic plow. Below it are the words "Kol Israel Haverim", the Hebrew name of Alliance Israelite Universelle. On the reverse, flanked on the left by a spikelet of corn, is the original school building, which today is carefully kept as a national monument.
A small 'Mem' mintmark appears on the Proof coin's obverse at the extreme right, between the handle of the plow and the right edge of the coin.
Double-strikes of both types exist.

PIDYON HABEN

Type I
1970 / 5730

CAT. #

DENOMI-
NATION

GRADE

ALLOY

FINE-
NESS

Ø
MM

WT.
GR.

EDGE

MINTMARK

MINT

MINTAGE

REMARKS

VALUE
USD

56.1

10 IL

silver

.900

37.0

26.0

plain

none

Jerusalem

48,847

29.00

56.2

10 IL

Proof

silver

.900

37.0

26.0

reeded

rev. 'Mem'

SanxFrancisco

14,719

30.00

Pidyon HaBen, (Redemption of the son), is a ritual in Judaism whereby a firstborn son is redeemed from a Cohen (direct ascendant of Aaron, brother of Moses) in order to release him from his obligation to serve in the Temple. Although nowadays there is no Temple, the ceremony is still performed by observant Jews. Contemporary religious authorities believe that the Sheqel HaKodesh (Holy Sheqel) of the Temple was larger and of purer silver content than the standard Sheqel used for trade in ancient Israel. Religious law requires that the coins used have a requisite total amount of actual silver. There are varying opinions as to the correct amount of silver, they fall in between 100 grams and 117 grams. Coins which do not contain the requisite amount of silver do not result in a valid redemption. Seven Pidyon HaBen commemorative coins issued by Israel from 1970 through 1975 and in 1977 contain 23.4 grams of silver each, five of which would come to exactly 117 grams of silver. The eighth Pidyon HaBen coin, issued in 1976, contains 24 grams of silver each, five of which total exactly 120 grams of silver. Though the silver coins are the payment to the Cohen under Jewish law, they are usually returned to the family as a gift for the child, as the coins themselves are often commemorative in nature.

The Pidyon HaBen coin dated 5730 (1970), the first in this eight-coin series, shows on its obverse a schematic representation of the two Tablets of the Law, given to Moses by the Lord. According to common belief, the Tablets contained the Ten Commandments, a topic put to life by several artists such as Rembrandt van Rijn (1659), Jekuthiel Sofer (1759), and Marc Chagall (1956). Below the Tablets is the biblical commandment "All the firstborn of thy sons thou shall redeem" (Exodus 34:20).
The Proof coin has a small 'Mem' mintmark on its reverse, close to the top edge.

Details of Mints

Place

Name

Country

Name of Mint

Bern

Switzerland

Federal Mint Swissmint

Jerusalem

Israel

Government Printer - Israel Mint

Kretschmer

Israel

Kretchmer Mint, Jerusalem

Rome

Italy

La Zecca dello Stato (State Mint)

San Francisco

U.S.A.

United States Mint

Utrecht

Netherlands

's Rijks Munt (in 1994 renamed: Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt - Royal Dutch Mint)

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