Hanukka Lamp from Italy

Hanukka Lamp from Italy
Hanukka Coin 5723-1962

The fifth of the Hanukka coins has as its theme a Hanukkah lamp from the collection of the Bezalel National Museum in Jerusalem, an Italian bronze specimen of the 17th century. This type was common in the 15th century in North Africa and Sicily, and in the 18th century found its way as far as Poland, which proves once more how strongly Jewish communities throughout the Diaspora were linked together by cultural ties.

Obverse:
Inside a triangular incuse with curved sides, the inscription in three lines in Hebrew "1 Israeli Lira". Below, under a spiral pattern, the word "Israel" in Hebrew and Arabic in two lines. Underneath again, the year "1962" and the Hebrew lettering for 5723.

Reverse:
Inside a triangular incuse with curved sides again, a decorated Hanukka lamp, seen from the front. Underneath, the inscription in Hebrew "Hanukkia from Italy, 17th century".

Edge:
Smooth.

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

Designer:
The Shamir brothers.

Mint:
The Swiss Federal Mint, Berne.