Half-Shekel

Copper-Nickel, Standard BU, 30 mm, 12 gr

SKU
42513308
Out of stock
$30.00
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Specifications
More Information
Issuing Year 1962
Material Copper-Nickel
Fineness Copper-Nickel
Quality Standard BU
Weight 12 gr
Diameter 30 mm
Face Value ½ IL
Max Mintage 19,890
Mint Mark Unmarked
Design Rothschild and Lippman ("Roli")

"Half-Shekel" Coin 5722-1962



The origin of the use of the "Half-Shekel" coin is to be found in the Bible, Exodus 30:11 -1 5.
"The Lord spoke unto Moses: When thou takest the sum of the children of Israel This they shall give... one half shekel The rich shall not give more and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel when they give an offering." The tax was equal for all, rich and poor, because every person is equal before G-d. Half a Shekel and not a whole Shekel signified that a person cannot obtain completeness alone.

Today, on the Shabbat before Rosh Chodesh Adar, known as "Shabbat Shekalim", the special "Shekalim" portion of the Torah is read. On the eve of Purim, the equivalent of a Half Shekel is donated in commemoration of the original Half Shekel Tax.

In the year 5721-1961, the Bank of Israel issued a special Half-Shekel coin (Half of an Israeli Lira) which was legal tender in the State of Israel. Bearing a face value of Half an Israeli Lira, it became an appropriate coin with which to perform the commandment of commemoration of the "Half-Shekel".


Obverse:
Above, the word "Israel" in Hebrew and Arabic, and the mint year "5722" in Hebrew characters (corresponding to 1962). In the center the face value "Half Israeli Lira" in Hebrew.

Reverse:
A raised reproduction of an ancient silver half-shekel with beaded rim from the third year of the First Jewish Revolt against the Romans 66-73 C.E. In the center of the ancient coin is a chalice. Above it are the two Hebrew letters for "Year 3" of the revolt 68 C.E., and around it, in ancient Hebrew letters, the Hebrew for a Half Shekel.

Edge:
Smooth.

Mint Marks:
On the obverse of the proof coin, the Hebrew letter "mem", centered in the lower border.

Designer:
Rothschild and Lippman ("Roli").

Mint:
Royal Dutch Mint, Utrecht, Holland.

Issue Name: Half-Shekel

Series Name: Non Serialized


Catalog SKU Condition Diameter Face Value Issue Price Material Mint Mark Quantity Weight
42511306 30 mm 1/2 IL 1 IL Copper-Nickel Unmarked 19,939 12 gr
42512302 30 mm 1/2 IL 2 IL Copper-Nickel Mem ("מ") 4,901 12 gr
42513308 30 mm 1/2 IL 1 IL Copper-Nickel Unmarked 19,890 12 gr
42514304 30 mm 1/2 IL 2 IL Copper-Nickel Mem ("מ") 9,894 12 gr