Pidyon Haben 1971

Redemption of the First-Born Son Pidyon Haben Coin 5731-1971
Legal Tender Issued by The Bank of Israel

The second in the series of Pidyon Haben coins was issued in 5731-1971 and it was discontinued prior to the 5732-1972 issue. The design on the obverse differs somewhat from that appearing on the 5730-1970 coin.

Pidyon Haben is the redemption of a firstborn son from his special dedication to the service of G-d. The Pidyon Haben ceremony takes place on the 31st day after birth, when the firstborn son is redeemed by a Cohen (priest) for 5 Shekels of silver, originally a total weight of 96.15 grams of silver. Today, it is customary to give the Cohen 100 grams of silver or pay him the current value of 100 grams of silver.

Obverse:
Left, the Israel State Emblem. Upper right border, "Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic and the mint year "5731-1971". Across the face of the coin, the face value "10 Israeli Lirot" in Hebrew.

Reverse:
A schematic representation of the two Tablets of the Law and below, in large Hebrew letters: "All the first born of your sons you shall redeem" (a quotation from Exodus 34:20). Around the lower border in Hebrew, "Pidyon Haben Coin".

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

Mint Marks:
On the obverse of the proof coin, the Hebrew letter "Mem" above the State emblem.

Designer:
Zvi Narkiss.

Mint:
The B.U. coin at the Israel Government Mint, Jerusalem. The proof coin at the Federal Mint, San Francisco, U.S.A.