Oil Refineries

Oil Refineries
Official Award Medal, 5738-1978

The foundations for the Haifa Refineries were laid by the Anglo-Iranian Oil Corporation in 1938. In 1959, ownership was transferred to the Israel Government and since then much has been done to increase production and improve product quality. The Haifa Refinery served as a base for establishing auxiliary industries. With the rise in fuel consumption, another refinery was built in Ashdod. To mark the 40th year of the establishment of the Haifa Refinery, a special medal was issued.

Obverse: In the centre, the refinery. On the rim, a citation: "Purified Seven Times", Psalms 12:7.

Reverse: In the centre, two storage tanks can be seen behind a brick wall. An inscription: "Oil Refineries Ltd." in Hebrew and English.

Edge: The State emblem and the words "State of Israel" in Hebrew and English. The silver medals bear "Silver 935" in Hebrew and "Silver" in English.

Serialization: All the medals have been numbered. Bronze - numbered to 2050, 39 not minted, 41 5 melted. Silver - numbered 1654, 229 melted.

Designer: Obverse - The Shamir Brothers. Reverse - Nathan Karp.

Engraving: Moshe Nov.

Mint: Hecht