Liberation

Liberation
State Medal, 1961

The Liberation Medal issued in 1961 differs in many respects from the Liberation Medal issued in 1958

Obverse: In the center within a deep circular incuse, a palm tree. On the right, a man planting a tree, on the left a woman joyfully holding a child aloft. Around the top rim, the Hebrew inscription: "Israel Liberated, 5708", and at the bottom the identical inscription in English, 1948.

Reverse: Within a circular incuse stands out a replica of a Roman coin issued by Vespasian commemorating his victory over Judea in the year 70 C.E. In the center of the coin, a palm tree having seven branches, bearing two clusters of fruit. (The palm tree was a well recognized symbol of Judea in those days and is to be found on many Hebrew coins). To the left of the tree stands the Emperor in full armor, on his left sits a Hebrew woman, mourning. Around the rim of the Roman coin the Latin inscription: "ludaea Capta" (Judaea Captive). Below, the initials that stand for the words: "By order of the Senate" (S.C.) Round the rim of the medal, chains symbolizing captivity and the Hebrew inscription "Judea in Captivity 3830" and in English: "Judaea Captive, 70 C.E.".

Edge: The gold and silver 19mm as well as the brass 22mm are milled. The Bronze and silver 59mm medals and on the silver 35mm, Bronze 45mm - the State emblem and the words "State of Israel" in Hebrew and English. The silver medals bear "Sterling" in English and "Silver 935" in Hebrew.

Serialization: Silver 59mm were number to 4993, 239 have been melted.

Designer: Rothschild and Lippmann ("Roli").

Engraving: Kretschmer

Mint: Kretschmer