Shimon Peres

SHIMON PERES - COMMEMORATIVE COIN 2023/5776
4th in the "Israel Nobel Prize Laureates" Coin Series

Shimon Peres, one of the founding fathers of the State of Israel and one of its greatest leaders, dedicated his life to serving Israel. His final role was President of the State of Israel.

For over more than 60 years, Peres worked vivaciously, advancing security and projects for the public that had a profound effect on the development of the State, including the arming and formation of the Israel Defense Force, as well as the establishment of the Nuclear Reactor Plant in Dimona and Nuclear Research Facility in Sorek, both in southern Israel. He developed Israel's Defense Industries and was at the forefront in transforming Israel into a technology powerhouse and global leader in innovation.

His vast work for the benefit of the State of Israel is spread throughout the chapters of his life. Over the years, he worked tirelessly and held many high-ranking government ministerial posts – Minister of Defense, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister of Finance, Minister of the Interior, Minister of Absorption, Minister of Transportation and Communication, Minister of Information, Minister of Development of the Negev and Galilee, Leader of the Opposition, Prime Minister and, finally, President of the State of Israel.

Shimon Peres was a politician and public personality of distinctive character. For his extensive work, he gained honor and international recognition. The Pope awarded him a Peace Medal and honorary citizenship and Queen Elizabeth awarded him honorary knighthood. United States President Barack Obama awarded him an American Presidential Freedom Medal, which is an honor reserved for very few people, and thus Peres became the first and only Israeli Statesman to be awarded the medal.  In 1994, Peres was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in the international arena for the State of Israel in the advancement of peace, after having joined then Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in bringing about the Oslo Accords. 

The Bank of Israel and Israel Coins and Medals Corp. commemorate Shimon Peres, a founding father of the State of Israel, Prime Minister and ninth President, who died on September 28, 2016, Elul 25, 5776.

Obverse: Israel State Emblem, "Israel" in 3 languages, the face value, mint year 2023/5783, mint mark (Hebrew letter "Mem" on the coins with Proof Finish, Star of David on the coin with Prooflike finish), Arabic translation of the inscription "Shimon Peres – Nobel Peace Prize 1994", and a Dove of Peace with olive branch in its beak.

Reverse: Image of Shimon Peres and Dove of Peace as a symbol of his aspiration for peace. Inscription: "Shimon Peres –  Nobel Peace Prize 1994" in Hebrew and English.

Edge:
Silver Prooflike Coin: Smooth
Silver Proof and Gold Coin: Milled

Mint Marks:
Silver Prooflike Coin – Star of David (Below the face value)
Silver Proof and Gold Coin – Hebrew letter "Mem" (Below the face value)

Designer: Aharon Shevo
Mint: Utrecht