Hanukka Lamp (″Hanukkiya″) from Babylon

Hanukka Lamp from Babylon
Hanukka Coin 5734-1973

The eighth in the series of Hanukka coins represents a Hanukka lamp from the Iraqi Jewish community. It originates from the 18th century and is at the Israel Museum, Jerusalem. It has been chosen as being symbolic of the spiritual strength and belief of Jews, in Arab countries, in their return to Zion and in our days of their leaving "the rivers of Babylon", from dark to light, from oppression to prosperity and from bondage to redemption in the Land of Israel.

Obverse:
In the center the face value "5 Lirot". "Lirot" is inscribed in Hebrew in the lower border to the left. Around the upper border is the word "Israel" in Hebrew, Arabic and English and, to the right, the mint year "5734-1973".

Reverse:
A Babylonian (Iraqi) Hanukka lamp. Below, the inscription "18th century Hanukka lamp from Babylon"

Edge:
Proof coin - milled, B.U. Smooth

Mint Marks:
On the obverse of the B.U. coin, the Star of David and on the obverse of the proof coin, the letter "mem" in the lower border, right.

Designer:
Asaf Berg

Mint:
Israel Government Mint, Jerusalem