Declaration of Independence

Declaration of Independence 5733-1973

Israel's 25th Anniversary of Independence Coin As part of the preparations for the establishment of a Jewish State, the nation's leaders composed a Declaration of Independence. On Friday, May 14,1948, David Ben-Gurion read the Declaration at a special session of the People's Council and before leaders of the Jewish Community and the Zionist Movement. The first part of the Declaration of Independence mentioned the historic bond between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel, the achievement of the Zionist aim of national restoration and the resolution of the General Assembly of the United Nations, favoring the establishment of a Jewish State in the Land of Israel, is also mentioned. Further in the Declaration of Independence it is stated: "We hereby declare the establishment of a Jewish State in the Land of Israel which is to be known as the State of Israel".

Obverse: The face value "10 Lirot" on the silver coin ("50", "100" and "200 Lirot" on the gold coins). The Israel State Emblem and beneath, the mint year "5733-1973" and "Israel's 25th Anniversary" in Hebrew and Arabic. Around the border, left and right, the same inscription in English.

Reverse: Part of Israel's Declaration of Independence bearing the signatures of the founding fathers headed by that of David Ben-Gurion. Below an excerpt from the Declaration, "We hereby declare the establishment of a Jewish State in the Land of Israel which is the State of Israel" in Hebrew.

Edge: On the edge of the silver coin appear the words "Independence Day 1973" facing the obverse or reverse of the coin. The edge of the gold coin is milled.

Mint Marks: On the reverse of the B.U. coin, a Star of David and on the reverse of the proof silver and gold coins, the Hebrew letter "Mem" centered in the lower border.

Designer:
Obverse - Rothschild and Lippman ("Roli").
Reverse - Nathan Karp.

Mint:
Silver coin - Israel Government Mint, Jerusalem.
Gold coin - Swiss Federal Mint, Berne.