10 New Sheqalim (Independence - Birds of Israel) 5769 (2009) front 10 New Sheqalim (Independence - Birds of Israel) 5769 (2009) back
10 New Sheqalim (Independence - Birds of Israel) 5769 (2009) photo
© Israel Coins and Medals Corp.

10 New Sheqalim Independence - Birds of Israel

5769 (2009) year
Gold (.917) 16.96 g 30 mm
Description
Issuer
Israel
Period
State of Israel (1948-date)
Type
Non-circulating coin
Year
5769 (2009)
Calendar
Hebrew
Value
10 New Sheqalim 10 ILS = USD 2.62
Currency
New Shekel (1986-date)
Composition
Gold (.917)
Weight
16.96 g
Diameter
30 mm
Shape
Round
Technique
Milled
Orientation
Medal alignment ↑↑
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#89002
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

The top three birds in "National Bird of Israel" competition: The winning Hoopoe and the two runner-ups, the Warbler and the Finch; the words "Birds of Israel" are inscribed along the border in Hebrew, English and Arabic.

Scripts: Arabic, Hebrew, Latin

Lettering: BIRDS OF ISRAEL ציפורי ישראל طيور إسرائيل

Engravers: Igal Gabay, Tidhar Dagan

Edge

Reeded

Comment

Israel is a paradise for birds and ornithologists all year long. Situated in a unique geographic location – at the junction of three continents, between the Syrian-African Rift and the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, offers a rare combination of conditions for migrating birds, internationally unsurpassed. Twice a year, more than 500 million birds migrate across the skies of Israel, enhancing the country's landscape with their spectacular, multi-colored beauty. The Hoopoe was chosen as Israel's National Bird following the nationwide campaign conducted by the Society for the Protection of Nature and the Tel Aviv University. Numerous references are made in the Jewish Scriptures to the Hoopoe, one of them, " . . . the stork and the heron, after its kinds, and the hoopoe . . ." (Leviticus 11:19) The Hoopoe is also cited as a sign of wisdom.

According to legend, King Solomon wanted to build the Temple (the building that would bring peace to the world) without using instruments made of iron (that denote tools of war) to grind the stones. The Hoopoe disclosed the secret of the Shamir Worm (that had been hidden in its throat), that was capable of grinding stone without using an axe (similar to the modern use of laser rays).

Interesting fact

The 10 New Sheqalim (Independence - Birds of Israel) coin from Israel, minted in 2009, features a unique design that showcases the country's rich avian biodiversity. The coin's reverse side features a stunning representation of four different bird species, each one symbolizing a different aspect of Israel's natural heritage. The birds depicted on the coin are the Hoopoe, the Israeli national bird, the Lark, the Swallow, and the Spotted Crane. This design not only highlights the country's commitment to preserving its natural resources but also serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the delicate balance of the natural world.

Price

Date Mintage VG F VF XF AU UNC
5769 (2009) מ 445 - - - - - -

Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for 10 New Sheqalim (Independence - Birds of Israel) 5769 (2009) coin.