Israel's 55th Anniversary

55th ANNIVERSARY OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL
STATE MEDAL 5763/2003

Oswald Adler, the 91-year old coin and medal designer, viewed the State of Israel with optimism and determination on the country’s 55th anniversary, stating “Here’s to Israel”. In Gematria, (the system of assigning a numerical value to a word) the value of the Hebrew “here's to” is “55”, the same as the country’s years of independence. “Rejoice and be proud of the many national achievements. Now is the time to unite our forces, to preserve these achievements and to continue working towards the prosperity of Israel.” This is the meaning behind his design of the State Medal in honor of Israel’s 55th anniversary, with the inscription “United We Stand” and joined hands forming the Star of David.

Obverse: Joined hands forming the Star of David with the words “UNITED WE STAND” in the center, in Hebrew and in English.

Reverse: The emblem of Israel’s 55th anniversary celebration – the Star of David intertwined with the number “55”; smaller Stars of David to the right; the inscription “ISRAEL 55” appears on a waved texture, in Hebrew on the upper section of the medal and in English along the lower section; the waved textures with the Star of David in the center create the effect of the Flag of Israel.

Edge: State emblem with the words "STATE OF ISRAEL" inscribed in Hebrew on the right and in English on the left; the serial number; “BRONZE” is inscribed on the bronze medal, “935 S” on the silver medal and “999.9 G” on the gold medal.

Designer: Face ("55" Side): Oswald Adler. Reverse ("Joined Hands)" : Aharon Shevo.

Engraving: Tidhar Dagan.

Mint: Bronze Medal: Hecht Products, Israel. Silver and Gold Medals: The Government Mint, Jerusalem