Wednesday, 9 June 2021

1880) “Endangered Animals in Israel”, ICMC (Israel Coins and Medals Corporation), Israel: Celebrating 73rd Anniversary of Israel's Independence: A set of 10 Shekel (Gold) and 1 & 2 Shekel (Silver) Coins issued: Date of Coins issue: 01.06.2021:

1880) “Endangered Animals in Israel”, ICMC (Israel Coins and Medals Corporation), Israel: Celebrating 73rd Anniversary of Israel's Independence:  A set of 10 Shekel (Gold) and 1 & 2 Shekel (Silver) Coins issued: Date of Coins issue: 01.06.2021:

The Israel Coins and Medals Corporation (ICMC) has released on 01.06.2021, a new Collector Coin Series titled "Endangered Animals in Israel" that focuses on the country’s wildlife and the species which could face extinction unless effective conservation measures are implemented. 

Issued in conjunction with Israel’s 73rd anniversary of independence, the coins present three of the animals in Israel now in danger of extinction.

The many references to animals in the Bible are an indication of the abundance of amazing animals that once roamed the Land of Israel. 

Over the years, however, harm to their natural habitats and illegal hunting has had a devastating effect on them. Some have already become extinct, while others are now in danger of extinction.

Presently, these endangered animals can only be seen in a zoo or nature reserve.

The Header/Banner presenting all the three coins 10 Shekel (Gold) and 1 & 2 Shekel (Silver) Coins issued in the set, against a background image of the common Obverse of the coins

The Gold and Silver Coins present three of the animals in Israel now in danger of extinction:

The Arabian Leopard: Once considered King of the Desert, the impressive Arabian Leopard is rare today. On the threshold of extinction, a few single leopards only are to be found in the Judean Desert and Negev Hills. 

The Caracal: Also known as the "Desert Lynx", the Caracal is one of the feline species once common in Israel. Today, a few Caracals only are found in desert regions of southern Israel and the Judean Desert. The Caracal too has become almost extinct as a result of harm caused to its habitat and decreasing food sources.

The Sea Turtle: The Sea Turtle in Israel is diminishing in number as its natural habitat along the coast has been destroyed by massive building projects, which include the marinas and residential areas. 

The Sea Turtle needs an unpopulated, flat, sandy shore area for building its nest and laying its eggs. Such areas are now disappearing and this is affecting the turtles, adding them to the group of animals in danger of extinction.

The Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem together with other zoos of the world, is participating in global conservation projects to protect the animals in danger of extinction.

The Coins:

The Obverse design is shared on all three denominations and combines all three endangered species in one design. 

Each is depicted with the addition of its natural surroundings — the Arabian Leopard, Caracal, and Sea Turtle. 

The inscription, (which is also the theme of the Series) - "ENDANGERED ANIMALS IN ISRAEL", is spelt in English, Hebrew, and Arabic. All three coins are designed by Graphic Artist Michal Hamawi Mizrahi.

One Shekel (Silver Coin) - The Caracal:

 Featured on the Reverse is an image of the desert lynx alongside the numeral 1.

 Also featured is the "Star of David" privy mark denoting the coins’ Proof-like strike. 

Above the primary design is the text "INDEPENDENCE DAY 2021" (in both English and Hebrew). The Israeli Crest is present at the very top, with the coins’ issuing country's name - "ISRAEL" (shown in English, Hebrew, and Arabic). 

 The two faces of the 1 Shekel Silver Coin presented together.

The two faces of the 1 Shekel Coin presented standing on edge.

The specifications of the 1 Shekel Silver Coin are:

Country of issue: Israel; Year: 2021; Coin Series Name: "Israel Independence Day"; Coin Series Theme: "Endangered Animals in Israel"; Denomination/Face Value: 1 NIS (New Israeli Shekel); Metal Composition: .9 Fineness Silver .925 (Ag); Weight: 14.40 grams; Diameter/Size: 30.0 mm; Coin Quality: Proof-like; Mintage: 1,800 pieces;  Mint: ICMC, Israel;  Mint Mark: Star of David; Presentation Box/Case: Yes; Certificate of Authenticity (COA): Yes; Designer: Michal Hamawi Mizrahi; Legal Tender: Yes (in Israel).

The coins are encapsulated and presented in a custom case accompanied by a Certificate Of Authenticity (COA) branded by the Holy Land Mint

Two Shekalim (Silver Coin) - The Arabian Leopard:

 Featured on the Reverse is an image of the Arabian leopard alongside the numeral 2. 

Also featured is the privy mark Mem (“מ”) denoting the coins’ Proof strike.

 Above the primary design is the text "INDEPENDENCE DAY 2021" (in both English and Hebrew). The Israeli Crest is present at the very top, with the coins’ issuing country name - "ISRAEL" (shown in English, Hebrew, and Arabic). 

The two faces of the 2 Shekel Silver Coin presented together.

The two faces of the Coin presented standing on edge.

The specifications of the 2 Shekel Silver Coin are:

Country of issue: Israel; Year: 2021; Coin Series Name: Israel Independence Day; Coin Series Theme: "Endangered Animals in Israel"; Denomination/Face Value: 2 NIS (New Israeli Shekel); Metal Composition: .9 Fineness Silver .999 (Ag); Weight: 31.1 grams or 1.0 Oz; Diameter/Size: 38.7 mm; Coin Quality: Proof; Mintage: 2,800 pieces;  Mint: ICMC, Israel;  Mint Mark: Mem ("מ");  Presentation Box/Case: Yes; Certificate of Authenticity (COA): Yes; Designer: Michal Hamawi Mizrahi; Legal Tender: Yes (in Israel).

The coins are encapsulated and presented in a custom case accompanied by a Certificate Of Authenticity (COA), branded by the Holy Land Mint

10 Shekalim (Gold Coin) - The Sea Turtle

 Featured on the Reverse is an image of the Sea Turtle alongside the numeral 10. 

Also featured is the privy mark Mem (“מ”) denoting the coins’ Proof strike. 

Above the primary design is the text "INDEPENDENCE DAY 2021" (in both English and Hebrew). 

The Israeli Crest is present at the very top with the coins’ issuing country name - "ISRAEL" (shown in English, Hebrew, and Arabic). 

The 10 Shekel Gold Coin Obverse presented standing on edge.

The specifications of the 10 Shekels Gold Coin are:

Country of issue: Israel; Year: 2021; Coin Series Name: Israel Independence Day; Coin Series Theme: "Endangered Animals in Israel"; Denomination/Face Value: 10 NIS (New Israeli Shekel); Metal Composition: .917 Fineness Gold  (Au) or 22.0 K; Weight: 16.96 grams; Diameter/Size: 30.0 mm; Coin Quality: Proof; Mintage: 555 pieces; Mint: ICMC, Israel;  Mint Mark: Mem ("מ"); Presentation Box/Case: Yes; Certificate of Authenticity (COA): Yes; Designer: Michal Hamawi Mizrahi; Legal Tender: Yes (in Israel).

The coins are encapsulated and presented in a custom case accompanied by a Certificate Of Authenticity (COA) branded by the Holy Land Mint.















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Israel Independence Day - "Endangered Animals in Israel" Coin Series:




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


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‎ ‎
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