Israel. 1995. 10 New Sheqalim. 6.98g. Bemitallic. Au. C611. RI.5

Israel. 1995. 10 New Sheqalim. 6.98g. Bemitallic. Au. C611. RI.5

Obverse:

• National emblem — the Menorah flanked by olive branches.

• The word ISRAEL in Hebrew (ישראל), Arabic (إسرائيل), and English.

• Denomination 10 NEW SHEQALIM.

Reverse:

• Palm tree with two clusters of dates, flanked by two small baskets.

• Below: the date תשנ״ה (5755 = 1995).

• The design reproduces an image from an ancient Judean coin struck during the Jewish Revolt against Rome (circa 66–70 CE).

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🏛️ Historical and cultural background

1. Ancient inspiration:
   The palm tree and baskets originally appeared on bronze Jewish War coins (First Revolt) issued by Jewish rebels in Jerusalem.
   The motif represented the fertility of the Land of Israel and the date palm — one of the “seven species” of the Bible, and an emblem of national identity.

2. Message of renewal:
   By reviving this design 1,900 years later, the modern State of Israel tied its new currency directly to ancient independence and self-rule.

3. Economic milestone:
   The 10 New Sheqalim coin replaced the paper note in 1995 — marking the currency’s maturity and long-term stability after the hyperinflation years of the 1980s.

4. Modern minting breakthrough:
   It was Israel’s first circulating bimetallic coin, produced with advanced press alignment to fuse the two metals securely — still the highest denomination in daily use today.

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💡 Interesting facts

1. Biblical species: The date palm (תמר) is one of Israel’s national plants and appears on the 1 shekel coin of the Second Temple era; Roman coins later used the same symbol to represent Judea.

2. Design echo: The baskets at the sides come from the Temple offerings — a subtle reminder of agricultural abundance.

3. Security innovation: Early minting problems led to a few off-center cores — now collectible mint errors.

4. Durability: Despite being introduced in 1995, the type remains in circulation nearly three decades later — a rare record for a bimetallic design.

5. International recognition: The palm-tree reverse was featured in the “Coins of the World” exhibition by the Royal Mint (UK) in 1997 as an example of symbolic modern numismatic art.

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💰 Collector interest

Grade	Typical value (€)	Comment
Circulated	1 – 2 €	Common, still found in wallets
UNC / BU	3 – 5 €	First-year issue premium
Mint error (mis-centered core, double ring, etc.)	40 € +	Scarce and desirable