Revival of the Hebrew Language

The Revival of the Hebrew Language 5734-1974
Israel's 26th Anniversary of Independence Coin

In 1879 Eliezer Ben-Yehuda published an article called for settling in Palestine, the revival of the Hebrew language and its adaptation for every day use by the Jewish community in Palestine. He himself immigrated to Palestine two years later and devoted his life to the propagation of the Hebrew language. He is credited with coining many new words in Hebrew. The Ben-Yehuda home was the first in modern Palestine, where Hebrew exclusively was spoken.

Obverse: On the top right the emblem of the State of Israel. Below it the nominal value " 10 Lirot". Below, left, the word "Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic. Below the date "5734-1974" in Hebrew and English.

Reverse: To the right, a part of an ancient scroll, representing the survival of the Hebrew language over the generations. Along the side of the scroll and running vertically the Hebrew inscription "The Revival of the Hebrew Language". On the left a listing of some of the Hebrew words innovated by Eliezer Ben-Yehuda. Below in Hebrew the signature "E. Ben-Yehuda".

Edge: The Hebrew inscription "26th Year of the State of Israel", facing obverse or reverse.

Mint Marks: On the obverse of the B.U. coin, the Star of David and on the obverse of the proof coin the letter "mem", on the centre bottom rim.

Designer: Rothschild and Lippman ("Roli").

Mint: The Israel Government Mint, Jerusalem.