Hanukka Lamp (″Hanukkiya″) from Egypt

Hanukka Lamp from Egypt
Hanukka Coin 5740-1979

The fourteenth in the series of Hanukka coins was issued in conjuction with the signing of the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel on March 6, 1979. The Hanukka lamp which appears on the coin was made in Egypt in the 19th century.
On the triangular panel one can easily discern the influence of a Gothic-Italian lamp from the 15th century. The passage engraved on the lamp "For the commandment is a lamp, and the teaching is light" (Proverbs 6:23), is appropriate to the festival of lights and thus it was interpreted by the sages in the Talmud (Megilah)



Obverse:
The face value "100 Lirot". Below the emblem of the State of Israel. The word "Israel" in Hebrew, Arabic and English. The mint year 1979 and corresponding Hebrew year 5740 engraved in Hebrew letters.

Reverse:
A Hanukka lamp from Egypt within an incuse Star of David. The lamp is decorated with blossoming shapes on either side. In the center is a Star of David and inscription "For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light". Around the lower border of the coin is the Hebrew inscription "Hanukka Lamp from Egypt, 19th century".

Edge:
Proof Coin milled

Mint Marks:
On the obverse of the B.U. coin, a Star of David, and on the obverse of the proof coin, the Hebrew letter "mem", centered in the right border.

Designer:
Shlomo Rotem.

Mint:
Swiss Federal Mint, Berne.