© Israel Coins and Medals Corp.
© Israel Coins and Medals Corp.
½ Lira Feast of Purim
| Copper-nickel | 12 g | 30 mm |
| Issuer | Israel |
|---|---|
| Period | State of Israel (1948-date) |
| Type | Non-circulating coin |
| Years | 5721-5722 (1961-1962) |
| Calendar | Hebrew |
| Value | ½ Israeli Pound (½ ILP) |
| Currency | Pound (1960-1980) |
| Composition | Copper-nickel |
| Weight | 12 g |
| Diameter | 30 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | 1980 |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#18760 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 30% |
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 Paleo-Hebrew letters for "Year 3" of the revolt 68 C.E., and around it, in Paleo-Hebrew letters, the Hebrew for a Half Shekel.
Script: Hebrew
Lettering: חצי השקל שג
Translation:
HETZI HASHEKEL SH G
(Half shekel y(ear) 3)
Engravers: Gerd Rothschild, Zeev Lipman
Edge
Plain
Comment
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".
Interesting fact
The interesting fact about this coin is that it was minted to commemorate the Feast of Purim, a Jewish holiday that celebrates the saving of the Jewish people from the evil plans of Haman, who was advisor to the Persian King Ahasuerus. The coin's design features a depiction of Queen Esther, who played a central role in the story of Purim, and the Hebrew inscription "Feast of Purim" (חג פורים) on the reverse side.
Price
| Date | Mintage | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5721 (1961) | 19939 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 5721 (1961) מ | 4901 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 5722 (1962) | 19890 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 5722 (1962) מ | 9894 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for ½ Lira (Feast of Purim) 5721-5722 (1961-1962) coin.
