Israels 10th Anniversary Menorah

Menorah
Israel's 10th Anniversary of Independence Coin 5718-1958

The seven-branched Menorah, among the best known symbols of Judaism^ is also a well-known numismatic symbol in Jewish history. It was found on coins from the period of the rule of Mattathias Antigonus, the last of the Hasmoneans. After the destruction of the Second Temple the Romans pillaged all the sacred vessels. The pictorial replica of the seven-branched Menorah which was in the Temple, was preversed in a relief in the Titus Arch in Rome. The State of Israel adopted that Menorah as its national emblem, symbolic of a return to the glory of ancient days.

Obverse: In the upper left corner the word "Israel" in Hebrew and Arabic with the mint year "5718-1958". Below is the face value "5 Israeli Lirot" in Hebrew.

Reverse: In an incuse trapezoid with rounded edges appears a stylized seven-branched Menorah.

Edge: Around it appears the legend "10th Year of the State of Israel" facing the obverse or the reverse side.

Mint Marks: The letter "mem" does not appear on the proof coin. The letters and numbers on the proof coin are matte on a shiny background. It is difficult to discern on the proof coin that its natural lustre was dulled.

Designer: Miriam Karoli (the stylized Menorah has become the emblem of the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation Ltd.).

Mint: The Royal Mint, Utrecht, Holland.