Rishon Le-Zion Centennial

Rishon Le-Zion Centennial
Official Award Medal, 5743-1983

Rishon Le-Zion, one of the first six settlements in modern Israel, was founded on the 15th of Av 1882. Its centennial commemorates the personal qualities of the first settlers who contributed to the forging of the State of Israel. The blue and white flag was first hoisted during the settlement's 3rd anniversary celebrations, and later became Israel's national flag. The Israeli national anthem, Hatikvah, originally a workers' song (the tune of which was composed by a native of Rishon Le-Zion), was first sung in the settlement. In 1889, in the shade of the old sycamore tree in Rishon Le-Zion, the Jewish National Fund was created. And it was in this same town that the first wine cellar was established by the Baron de Rothschild.

Obverse
Rishon Le-Zion's central synagogue and the
words "Rishon Le-Zion 5642-1882" in Hebrew
and English.

Reverse
A cluster of grapes against a Star of David, a kinetic sculpture design by craftsman Yaakov Agam, the form of which changes according to
the angle of view. Agam's signature in Hebrew and English, within a Star of David formed by the Hebrew letter "Aleph" (Agam's Hebrew initial) and the English letter "A".

Edge
The Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation emblem and Hebrew initials, and the serial number.

Mint Marks

Designer
Yaakov Agam

Mint
Moshe Hecht.