1377) Shuvuot Holiday - "The Festival of Harvest", Israel; Gold, Silver and Bronze-Tombac Variants of a State Medal brought out by the Israel Coins & Medals Corporation (ICMC): Year of issue: 1993:

1377) Shuvuot Holiday - "The Festival of Harvest", Israel; Gold, Silver and Bronze-Tombac Variants of a State Medal brought out by the Israel Coins & Medals Corporation (ICMC): Year of issue: 1993:

Shavuot, the "Festival of Harvest", is the shortest of the three holidays during which Jews make a pilgrimage to the Temple. The Passover and Sukkot last a week each, while Shavout is only for a single day.

Despite a day long holiday, pilgrims laden with first fruits, make their way to Jerusalem, bringing figs, grapes and raisins, an ox with gilt horns leading the way.

The people of Jerusalem go out and greet the pilgrims and the Levites receive them with song. Shavout is the harvest holiday, as it says in Exodus 23.16 - "You shall observe the festival  of harvest, of the first fruits of your labour, of what you sow in the field".

It is customary on this holiday to decorate the home with the seven varieties/species - wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegrenates, olives and dates.

The Commemorative Coin/State Medal:

The State Medal has been issued in three variants - Gold, Silver and Bronze/Tombac.

The Gold Variant:

On the Obverse of the Gold State Medal is inscribed - "Time of the giving of our Torah" (in Hebrew), with tablets of the covenant (Ten Commandments) incorporated.

An ear of barley, an olive branch and a cluster of grapes are seen on this face. The word - "SHAVOUT" is inscribed in Hebrew and English.

On the Reverse of the Gold State Medal Variant is seen a stylised field and figure harvesting. Lines made by harvesters in the shape of a stylised Star of David. The Hebrew inscription reads - "You shall observe the feast of the first fruits".

The Edge inscription: State Emblem with the words "STATE OF ISRAEL" in Hebrew on the right and in English on the left, along with the serial number of the medal. The Gold Medal is milled.

The specifications of the Gold variant are:

Diameter/Size: 18.0 mm; Metal Composition: .750 Gold (Au); Weight: 4.4 grams; Year of issue: 1999; Designer: Obverse - Nathan Karp, Reverse - Ruben Nutels; Engraving: Tidhar Dagan; Mint: Bronze/Tombac - Hecht, Silver - The Government Mint, Gold - Kretschmer.


The Silver Variant:

The Obverse of the Silver State Medal Variant is identical to the Gold Variant in design.

The Reverse of the Silver State Medal Variant is also identical to the Gold Variant in design.

The specifications of the Silver Variant are:

Diameter/Size: 37.0 mm; Weight: 26.0 grams; Metal Composition: .935 Silver (Ag); Year: 1993.

The Bronze/Tombac Variant:

The Obverse of the Bronze/Tombac State Medal Variant is identical in design to the above two variants.

The Reverse of the Bronze/Tombac State Medal Variant is identical to the above Variants too in design.

The specifications of the Bronze/Tombac Variant are:

Metal Composition: Bronze Tombac; Weight: 98.0 grams; Year: 1993.

The Pac/Album in which all the coins are presented individually.

Links to more posts from ICMC, Israel:
Gates of Jerusalem Coin Series:

1) "Jaffa Gate, Jerusalem", Israel: First Coin in the "Gates of Jerusalem" Coin Series: Gold & Silver Bullion Coins issued by the Israel Coins and Medals Corporation (ICMC) and minted by the Holy Land Mint in 2017:

2) "Lion's Gate", Jerusalem, Israel: Second Coin in the "Gates of Jerusalem" Coin Series: Gold and Silver Bullion Coins issued by the Israel Coins and Medals Corporation (ICMC) and minted by the Holy Land Mint in 2018:

3) "Damascus Gate", Jerusalem, Israel: Third Coin in the "Gates of Jerusalem" Coin Series: Gold and Silver Bullion Coins issued by the Israel Coins and Medals Corporation (ICMC) and minted by the Holy Land Mint in 2018 (with the year of issue as 2019):

4) "New Gate", Jerusalem, Israel: Fourth Coin in the "Gates of Jerusalem" Coin Series: Gold and Silver Bullion Coins issued by the Isral Coins and Medals Corporation (ICMC) and minted by the Holy Land Mint in 2019

5) "Golden Gate", Jerusalem, Israel: Fifth Coin in the "Gates of Jerusalem" Coin Series: Gold and Silver Bullion Coins issued by the Israel Coins and Medals Corporation (ICMC) and minted by the Holy Land Mint in 2019

Birds of Israel Coin Series:

 1) Hoopoe: First coin in the "Birds of Israel Coin Series"

2) Warbler: Second Coin in the Birds of Israel Coin Series"

3) Vulture: Third coin in the "Birds of Israel Coin Series"

4) Lesser Kestrel: Fourth Coin in the "Birds of Israel Coin Series"

5) Goldfinch: Fifth Coin in the "Birds of Israel Coin Series"

6) Kingfisher: Sixth Coin in the "Birds of Israel Coin Series"

7) Sunbird: Seventh Coin in the "Birds of Israel Coin Series"

8) Barn Owl: Eighth Coin in the "Birds of Israel Coin Series"

Other interesting posts from Israel:

1) 50 Years of Reunification of Israel: Israel's 69th anniversary 50 Shekel gold coin and 10 Shekel Silver coin issued on 01.08.2017:

2) Centenary of the Battle of Haifa, Israel: Eretz, fought in September 2018 by the Indian cavalry comprising Jodhpur and Mysore Lancers against German and Turkish troops: A commemorative stamp brought out by Israel Post on 06.02.2018:

3) Butterflies of Israel: A Series of Eight Coins issued by the Israel Coins and Medals Corporation (ICMC), minted by the Holy Land Mint (2018)

4) 71st Anniversary of Israel's establishment: "Innovation Nation": A Gold 10 New Israeli Shekel (NIS) , a Silver 2 NIS Coin and a Silver 1 NIS Coin celebrate this year's milestone

5) "Jerusalem Windmill", Israel: The Ninth Coin in the Jerusalem of Gold Bullion Coin Series: Issue Year: 2019

6) "The Twelve Spies", ICMC, Israel: 23rd Coin in the Biblical Art series: Gold 10 & 1 New Israeli Shekel (NIS) and Silver 2 & 1 New Israeli Shekel (NIS) Coins issued by the Holy Land Mint:

7) Ancient Roman Arenas (in Israel): A set of three Stamps issued by Israel Post on 19.12.2017

8) Banknotes of the New Israeli Shekel (NIS): Series "A" (1985-1989), Series "B" (1999-2017) and Series "C" (2014 to Present Day)

9) Flowers of Israel: A set of eight Silver Medals issued by Israel Coin and Medals Corporation (ICMC) featuring the - Poppy Anemone, Cyclamen, Common Narcissus, Bristly Hollyhock, Common Caper, Crown Daisies, Steven's Meadow Saffron and Dark Purple Iris: Issue Year: 2019

10) Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel: 50th Anniversary Celebrations: A stamp of NIS 5.0 issued by Israel Post: Date of Stamp issue: 05.01.2020

11) Concentration Camps, Liberation, Israel: 75 years ago (1945-2020): A commemorative postage stamp issued by Israel Post on Concentration Camps, Displaced Person's Camps and creation of Eretz Israel (The "Land of Israel"): Date of Stamp issue: 21.04.2020:

12) Mikve Israel: Commemorating 150 Years of Mikve Israel (1870-2020): A postage stamp brought out by Israel Post celebrating the milestone: Date of Stamp issue:21.04.2020

13) 72nd Anniversary of Independence ("Yom Ha'atmaut"), Israel: Gold (10 NIS), Silver (2 NIS)) & Silver Proof-like (1 NIS) Coins issued on the theme - "Desert Agriculture"by ICMC (Israel Coins & Medals Corporation), Israel: Date of Coins issue: 20.04.2020

14) "The Train to Jerusalem", Israel: Tenth 20 NIS Gold Coin in the "Jerusalem of Gold Bullion Coin Series" issued by Israel Coins and Medals Corporation (ICMC): Year of Coin issue: 2020

15) Shuvuot Holiday - "The Festival of Harvest", Israel: Gold, Silver and Bronze Variants of a State Medal brought out by the Israel Coins & Medals Corporation (ICMC): Year of issue: 1993

"Views of Jerusalem" Gold and Silver Bullion Coin Series:

1) Walls of Jerusalem: Third Coin in the Series Gold and Silver Bullion Coins issued by ICMC, Israel & the Holy Land Mint (2018)

2) The City of David: Fourth Coin in the Gold and Silver Bullion Coin Series issued by ICMC, Israel & the Holy Land Mint, Israel (2019)

"Ancient Cities of the Holy Land Gold and Silver Bullion Coin Series":

1) Old Jaffa, Israel: The "Ancient Cities of the Holy Land" Gold & Silver Bullion Coin Series minted by the Israel Coinsand Medals Corporation (ICMC) through the Holy Land Mint: Date of issue: 01.03.2020

For some other interesting posts from Italy/The Vatican, please visit the following links:

1) Israel-Vatican Joint Issue: Celebrating 25 Years of Diplomatic Relations between Israel and The Vatican: A Commemorative Stamp issued jointly by the Vatican Numismatic Service and Israel Post on 10.09.2019

1376) Ancient Postal Routes, Madeira (An Autonomous Region of Portugal): EUROPA 2020 Theme: Two Stamps of 0.86 Euro each issued by CTT or "Correios de Portugal" (Portuguese Post) on behalf of Madeira: Date of Stamps issue: 25.05.2020:

1376) Ancient Postal Routes, Madeira (An Autonomous Region of Portugal): EUROPA 2020 Theme: Two Stamps of 0.86 Euro each issued by CTT or "Correios de Portugal" (Portuguese Post) on behalf of Madeira: Date of Stamps issue: 25.05.2020:

The EUROPA 2020 theme for all Postal Administrations/Enterprises affiliated to PostEurop is "Ancient Postal Routes".

The Autonomous Regions of the Azores and Madeira had their own specific post transportation issues.

The use of maritime transport to send correspondence to the islands had been previewed by old official charters pre-dating the creation of the first Master of Posts.

However, it was only in 1821, that King Joao VI officially created the maritime postal service for the Azores and Madeira. In the interior of the various islands, the circulation of letters and parcels was ensured by private or municipal services that hired couriers or muleteers, as was the case on the Portugal mainland.

Due to the very uneven terrain and the lack of roads, a boat was often used as the simplest way to move around the islands.

As far back as 1871, the Azores Islands were linked by ships from the "Empresa Insulana de Navegacao" ("Island Navigation Company"), which also carried the post. This company had a contract with the Portuguese government and its ships visited Lisbon regularly.

From 1918, and due to its geo-strategic position in the middle of the North Atlantic, the Azores Archipelago was frequently used as a stopover point or operational base for various seaplane flights that had the goal of securing the crossing between North America and the British Isles. However, regular air services to the mainland and to Madeira (including the transportation of post) only started in 1937.

The Port of Funchal was established in 1756, by a Royal Charter from King Jose I.

It was only from 1878, that the "Empresa Insulana de Navegacao" started visiting the island of Madeira regularly and transporting post, under governmental contract that remained valid until 1914.

The EUROPA 2020 Stamps:

The Miniature Sheet (MS) bearing the two stamps of 0.86 Euro.

The First Day Cover (FDC) is identical to the FDC issued by Portugal Post. It shows at lef inkpots, a quill pen, a fully written letter, a seal and a bell to call the retainer. The FDC is affixed with a Miniature sheet (MS). The logo of EUROPA is shown towards the bottom half.

The FDC is titled - "Rotas do Correio Antiga" (meaning "Ancient Postal Routes").

The special Cancellation Handstamp/Postmark shows a letter being handed over and is dated - "25.05.2020".

An individual stamp of 0.86 Euro shows a post/letter box and letters with stamps affixed on them. It is titled "Correios Portugal" (Portuguese Post) and "EUROPA MADEIRA". Also "ROTASDO CORREIP ANTIGO" (meaning "Ancient Postal Routes").

A Maxi Card - shows the Stamp, Cancellation  and the picture all on one side.

Seen on the Maxi Card is a ship being loaded with mail from a post van.

The Technical Details:

Stamp set issue date: 25.05.2020

Designer: Helder Soares

Printer: bpost Philately & Stamps Printing

Process: Offset

Size: 40.0 mm x 30.6 mm

Stamp values: 0.86 Euro

Links to posts on "Ancient Postal Routes" on this Blog, the theme of PostEurop "EUROPA-2020":

1) Ancient Postal Routes - Mail Ships, Guernsey. a British Crown Dependency (BCD): A EUROPA set od six stamps brought out by Guernsey Post depicting six Mail Ships that sailed between Guernsey and the United Kingdom: Date of Stamp set issue: 01.04.2020

2) "Ancient Postal Routes, Romanian Principalities XIX Century", Romania: A set of two Postage Stamps of Lei 20.50 and Lei 1.90 issued by "Romfilatelia" (Romanian Post) depicting Ancient Postal Routes and modes of postal transport: Date of Stamp Set issue: 09.04.2020

 3) "Ancient Postal Routes, Biga", Bosnia & Herzgovina: Two EUROPA stamps of 3.00 Euro each depicting a Wagon and the two faces of a Silver Coin issued on 05.04.2020

4) Ancient Postal Routes - the Postal Boat Race - between Aland and Sweden", Aland, Finland: A EUROPA Postage Stamp of 2.00 Euro issued by Aland Post: Date of Stamp issue: 08.05.2020

 5) "Ancient Postal Routes - Mail Ships", Jersey, A British Crown Dependency (BCD): A set of six stamps depicting the Mail Ships - Rover, the Atalanta, the Cygnus, the Lydia and Isle of Jersey and The Caesarea III, issued by Jersey Post: Date of Stamp set issue: 07.04.2020

6) "Ancient Postal Routes - The Postal Route from Christiania to Bergen", Norway: A Europa Stamp of 20g issued by Posten Norge (or Norwegian Post)depicting the difficult mountain route/stretch at Vindhellvegen & Kongevegen: Date od Stamp issue: 17.04.2020

7) "Ancient Postal Routes through blizzards, snow covered mountain routes and straits", Faroe Islands: Two Stamps of 17KR and 20KR issued by Posta (Faroe Islands Post) under the Europa theme for 2020: Date of stamp set issue: 27.04.2020

8) "Ancient Postal Routes during the time of Louis the Great - 14th century", Hungary: A set of two postage stamps issued by Magyar Posta of 650 HUF each: Date of Stamp set issue: 04.05.2020

9) "Ancient Postal Routes in the Ottoman Empire - 17th century" Serbia: A set of two Stamps issued by Serbian Post in the denominations of 74 ans 108 Dinaras (Dinars): Date of Stamp Set issue: 05.05.2020 

10) "Ancient Postal Routes, Santa Claus", Finland: A EUROPA Stamp released by "Posti" (Finland Post): Date of Stamp release: 06.05.2020

11) "Ancient Postal Routes, through Rheinhausen-Basel-Zurich", Switzerland: EUROPA theme for 2020: A set of two Postage stamps of 100 Swiss francs each issued by Swiss Post: Date of Stamp set issue: 07.05.2020

12) "Ancient Postal Routes - Packet ships The Lady Mary Wood (1842) and SS Iberia (1836)", Gibraltar: EUROPA 2020 Theme: A set of two Postage stamps in the denominations of 1.66 Pounds & 2.86 Pounds issued by Gibraltar Post: Date of Stamps issue: 08.05.2020

13) "Ancient Postal Routes - the Kholmogory post road (Arkhangelsk - Vologda - Yaroclavi - Moscow), Russia: Europa 2020 theme: A stamp brought out by "Pochta Rossii"(Russian Post) featuring this important post road: Date of Stamp issue: 15.01.2020

14) "Ancient Postal Routes - by Horse Transport & Bicycles", Latvia: EUROPA 2020 theme: A set of two postage stamps of 1,35 Euro and 1.42 Euro issued by "Latvijas Pasts" (Latvian Post): Date of Stamp set issue: 08.05.2020

15) "Ancient Postal Routes - 18th Century", Monaco: EUROPA 2020 theme: A postage stamp of 1.40 Euro issued by "La Poste de Monaco" (Monaco Post) on 06.05.2020

16) "Ancient Postal Routes - Within and Outside Europe", Iceland: Two Postage Stamps issued by "Islandpostur" (Iceland Post) in the denominations of ISK 3150: Date of Stamps issue: 07.05.2020

17) "Ancient Postal Routes - the Old Road Majstorska Cesta", Croatia: A Se-tenant of two Stamps of the values of 8.60 HRK issued by Croatian Post: Date of stamp issue: 08.05.2020

<sub><sup>18) "Ancient Postal Routes - Historical Postal Routes Thurn & Taxis", Austria" Stamp issue date: 06.05.2020

19) Ancient Postal Routes, Netherlands: Theme of 2020-Europa Stamps: PostNL has issued a 6-Stamp Sheet featuring Ancient Postal Routes followed by Von Thurn und Taxis Postal Services during the 17th to 19th Centuries: Date of Stamp Sheet issue: 11.05.2020

20) Ancient Postal Routes - 2 historic spots on "Tartu-Voru Road" Estonia: EUROPA 2020 theme: "Omniva" (previously "Eesti Post) - Estonian Post - has issued stamps of the value of 1.90 Euro each, featuring two historic stops on the old Tartu-Varu Road: Date of Stamps issue: 14.05.2020

21) "Ancient Postal Routes - from the times of the Imperial roman Empire", Spain: Correos (Spanish Post) has issued a Premium Sheet of six stamps of the value of "B" Tariff each: Date of Stamp issued: 14.05.2020

22) Ancient Postal Routes, Malta: Europa 2020 theme: Malta Post has issued two postage stamps of the values of 0.59 Euro and 2.00 Euro as part of the PostEurop's campaign this year: Date of Stamps issue: 09.05.2020

23) Ancient Postal Routes - the Mounted Messenger and the Stage Coach", Liechtenstein: EUROPA 2020 Theme: Liechtensteinsche Post has issued two stamps of the value of CHF 1.50 each on the theme of Ancient Postal Routes: Date of Stamp set issue: 02.03.2020

24) "Ancient Postal Routes - Via di Zenta", Montenegro: EUROPA 2020 Theme: "Posta Cern Gore (Montenegro Post) has issued a postage stamp of 0.95 Euro: Stamp issue date: 09.03.2020

25) Ancient Postal Routes - Mail Ships "Prince Maximilian" & "Archiduco Ludovico" - 19th Century ", Greece: Hellenic Post (Greek Post) has issued two postage stamps in the denominations of 2.00 Euro and 4.50 Euro depicting the two maritime Postal Ships: Date ofStamp set issue: 08.05.2020

26) Ancient Postal Routes, Portugal: EUROPA 2020 Theme: CTT or CORREIOS de Portugal" (Portuguese Post) has brought out three Postage stamps of the values of 0.86 Euro each on the theme: Stamp set issue date: 25.05.2020

27) Ancient Postal Routes, Azores (An Autonomous Region of Portugal): EUROPA 2020 Theme: Two Stamps of 0.86 Euro each issued by Correios, (Portugal Post) on behalf of Azores: Date of Stamps issue: 25.05.2020

28) Ancient Postal Routes, Madeira (An Autonomous Region of Portugal): EUROPA 2020 Theme: Two Stamps of 0.86 each issued by CTT or "CORREIOS de Portugal" (Portuguese Post) on behalf of Madeira: Date of Stamps issue: 25.05.2020</sup></sub>

Interesting links to posts on Portugal and Spanish Coins and postage stamps on this blog:

 1) Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra: the creator of Don Quixote: Commemorating the 400th Anniversary of his death by issue of two coins in the denomination of 200 Euros (Gold) and 10 Euros (Silver) by the Royal Spanish Mint - Real Casa de la Moneda in 2016

 2) Comprehensive history of the Dollar illustrated on a Kilo coin minted by Fabrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre (FNMT) in association with the Real Casa de la Moneda on 29.05.2017 

3) Treasures of the Spanish Museums: Fifth Part of the Series: Paintings from the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum depicted on coins released on 07.06.2017

4) Old Town of Avila, Spain: A UNESCO World Heritage Site featured on a 2 Euro Proof Coin by the Fabrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre Real Casa de la Moneda" (FNMT-RCM- "National Coinage & Stamp Factory - The Royal Spanish Mint)

5) History of Navigation (or "Historia de la Navigacion"): 2nd issue: A set of four coins brought out by the Fabrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre Real Casa de la Moneda" (FNMT-RCM):: 02/2019

6) Spanish Renaissance: 200 Euro (4 Escudo) Gold and Silver 10 Euro (8 Reales) Collector Coins: "Europa Coin Programme" or the "Eurostar Coin Programme" depicted on Gold and Silver Coins issued by the Fabrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre - Casa Real de la Moneda: Issue date: 27.05.2019

7) 500th Anniversary of the "First Circum-navigational Voyage" by Magalhaes - El Cano (Magellan - El Cano) Expedition: Portugal-Spain Joint Philatelic Issue: Stamp issue date: 12.09.2019

8) "The Firebird", Principality of Andorra (Principat d' Andorra), Spain: A 0.70 Euro postage Stamp dedicated to the Russian community in Andorra: Stamp issue date: 30.10.2019

9) "Nacional Museo del Prado", Spain: Celebrating the Bicentenary milestone (1819-2019): Commemorative Silver Coins of 30 Euros issued by Fabrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre - Casa Real de la Moneda on 20.11.2019: Coins minted by the Madrid Mint

10) Machu Picchu: "Wonders of the Modern World". A 1.35 Euro Stamp brought out by Correos Post, (Spanish Post) on 15.09.2017

11) Petra, Jordan: "Wonders of the Modern World Stamp Series" begun in 2015: A Stamp issued by Correos Post (Spanish Post) of the tariff value of "C" Class: Stamp issue date: 14.01.2020

12) The New Silk Road: A Joint issue of a two stamp set of 1.50 Euros each by Spain (Correos Post) and China: Stamps issue date: 01.07.2019

13) Charming Towns, Spain : For the past five years, Correos (Spanish Post) has issued Stamps and Postcards on four beautiful Spanish villages as old-fashioned accordion-style postcards: Date of PostCards/Stamp set issue: 30.03.2020

For more interesting posts on Coins and stamps of Portugal, please visit the following links:

1) India-Portugal: Joint Stamp issue: A set of two Commemorative Stamps in the denominations of 2500 Paise or Rs.25/- and 500 Paise or Rs.5/- brought out by India Post on 07.01.2017

2) Did you Know Series (15): A visit to Fort St. George Museum, Chennai (Part III): i) Indo-Danish Coins ii) Indo-Dutch Coins iii) Indo-French Coins iv) Indo-Portuguese Coins

3) "Four Leaf Clover": Endangered Flora Species: A Silver Proof 5 Euro Coin and a Brilliant Uncirculated Cupro-Nickel Coin issued by the Impresa Nacional Casa de Moneda (INCA) in September 2018

4) 500th Anniversary of the "First Circum-navigational Voyage" by Magalhaes - El Cano (Magellan - El Cano) Expedition: Portugal-Spain Joint Philatelic Issue: Stamp issue date: 12.09.2019

5) "The Joker", Portugal: Portugal Post has issued a set of four stamps featuring "The Joker"character of DC Comics, who is an archenemy of the "Batman": Date of Stamp issue: 31.03.2020

6) Portuguese Numismatics (1st Group): A set of four Stamps in the values of N20g, A20g, E20g and 120g issued by CTT Correios (Portuguese Post) in partnership with INCM ("Imprensa Nacional-Casa da Moeda (the "Portuguese Mint & Official Printing Office") depicting coins from various periods of history: Date od Stamp set issue: 22.04.2020