The Knesset

The Knesset
Israel's 17th Anniversary of Independence Coin 5725-1965

The first session of the Knesset, Israel's parliament, was held in Jerusalem on February 14,1949, in temporary quarters. In the 1950s it was decided that the Knesset should have a permanent home in the capital city of Jerusalem, and one that was in keeping with its role and position in the life of the people and the nation. The competition for the design of the Knesset was won by Jerusalem architect Joseph Klerwein. In 1958 the cornerstone was laid on a western hill of Jerusalem. The Knesset, which was built as a result of a request of the late James A. de Rothschild, was inaugurated in 1965.
The Knesset
Israel's 17th Anniversary of Independence Coin 5725-1965

The first session of the Knesset, Israel's parliament, was held in Jerusalem on February 14,1949, in temporary quarters. In the 1950s it was decided that the Knesset should have a permanent home in the capital city of Jerusalem, and one that was in keeping with its role and position in the life of the people and the nation. The competition for the design of the Knesset was won by Jerusalem architect Joseph Klerwein. In 1958 the cornerstone was laid on a western hill of Jerusalem. The Knesset, which was built as a result of a request of the late James A. de Rothschild, was inaugurated in 1965.

Obverse: Inside a somewhat concave surface in the upper left, the Israel State Emblem, a seven-branched Menorah between two olive branches joined at their base by the word "Israel" in Hebrew. Beneath, "Israel" in Arabic and the mint year "5725-1965" in Hebrew and English. Bottom right is the face value "5 Israeli Lirot" in Hebrew.

Reverse: In the center, a stylized rendering of The Knesset, stressing the horizontal lines. Below, right, are the works 'The Knesset" in Hebrew.

Edge: Inscription 'The 17th Year of the State of Israel".

Mint Marks: On the reverse of the proof coin, the Hebrew letter "mem" centered in the lower border.

Designer:
Obverse - Barak Nachsholi.
Reverse-Andre Lasserre, Switzerland.

Mint: Italian State Mint, Rome, La Zecca.