1st Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition

First Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition
State Medal, 5734-1974

Arthur Rubinstein was unique in the rare constellation of artists who became symbols and legends in their own lifetime. Faithful to the Jewish people, dedicated with every fiber of his being, to the State of Israel, he maintained close ties with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Arthur Rubinstein's agreement to the holding of an International Piano Master Competition, to serve as its Honorary President and lend his name to it, are important contributions to the cultural life of the Jewish State.

Obverse: A portrait of Arthur Rubinstein, by Picasso.

Reverse: Around the rim of the medal are the Hebrew words: "1 st Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition, Jerusalem 1974". On the upper part of the medal there is an emblem of the State of Israel and in the centre the translation in decorative English letters.

Edge: On the edges the emblem of the State of Israel and the words "State of Israel" in Hebrew and in English. On the silver medals appear "Sterling" in English and "Silver 935" in Hebrew. On the gold medal "G 916.6". (One thousand medals have Rubinstein's signature.)

Serialization: All the medals are numbered. Bronze - numbered to 7,000. 11 not minted. 771 melted. Silver - numbered to 9,776. 5 not minted. 470 melted. Gold - 0001-1000 with Rubinstein's signature. 1001-3450 and 4048-4097 - 2500 without signature 4 not minted. 300 melted.

Designer: Obverse - Drawing by Picasso. Reverse - Nellie Wolfson and Ya'acov Anidi

Engraving: Moshe Nov

Mint: Bronze and silver - Hecht. Gold - Israel Government Mint, Jerusalem.