Seafaring

Seafaring
Israel's 15th Anniversary of Independence Coin 5723-1963

Hebrew seafaring was already well advanced in the time of the First and Second Temples. Jewish coins struck in the Hasmonean period bear evidence to this. Coins struck In the coastal cities in Hasmonean times, featured anchors. Coins struck by Herod (37 - 3 BCE) featured ships in addition anchors, probably to celebrate the founding of Caesarea.

The ancient Hebrew galley depicted on the 15th anniversary coin was taken from a likeness found in Hasmonean tomb from the period of the Second Temple.

Obverse: The smokestack and part of the superstructure of a modern steamship, and in the background the Bay of Haifa and Mount Carmel. On the base of the smokestack, the face value "5" and beneath it, "Israeli Lirot" in Hebrew. Around the upper border, the word "Israel" in Hebrew and Arabic and mint year "5723-1963" in Hebrew and English.

Reverse: In the center a reproduction of the ancient galley found in the tomb in Jerusalem. From the mast hangs a rig and from it, many sails. The galley has thirteen oars, the tiermen protected by six parapets. There is a forecastle and tower in front. Below the fore, an extended battering ram. The aft has a rudder, underneath which, in ancient Hebrew script: "Fifteenth year of Israel's Freedom".

Edge: The Hebrew inscription "Fifteenth Year of the State of Israel" towards the obverse of reverse.

Mint Marks: On the obverse of the proof coin, Hebrew letter "mem" centered in the lower border.

Designer:
Obverse - Zvi Narkiss.
Reverse - Yitzhak Behar.

Mint:
The Italian State Mint, Rome, La Zecca.