Building out a set of select quality pieces from Israel. Common coins, uncommon in superb quality due to poor handling - https://coins.www.collectors-society.com/WCM/CoinCustomSetGallery.aspx?s=1511 Israel. 5 Lirot issues for the 15th Anniversary of the State of Israel. Design Zvi Narkiss (Obverse), Yitzhak Behar (Reverse). The Italian State Mint, Rome, La Zecca. KM#39. 34mm, 25gr. Coin commemorates the Jewish mariners from the times of King Herod to the present. Obv: The smokestack and part of the superstructure of a modern steamship, and in the background the Bay of Haifa and Mount Carmel. On the base of the smokestack, the face value "5" and beneath it, "Israeli Lirot" in Hebrew. Around the upper border, the word "Israel" in Hebrew and Arabic and mint year "5723-1963" in Hebrew and English. An ancient ship with the Hebrew inscription "Fifteenth Year of Israel's Freedom.". Rev: In the center a reproduction of the ancient galley found in the tomb in Jerusalem. From the mast hangs a rig and from it, many sails. The galley has thirteen oars, the tiermen protected by six parapets. There is a forecastle and tower in front. Below the fore, an extended battering ram. The aft has a rudder, underneath which, in ancient Hebrew script: "Fifteenth year of Israel's Freedom". The Proof coin is struck with a small Hebrew 'mem' at the bottom and on the coin's edge the Hebrew inscription "Fifteenth Year of the State of Israel". Only 4,495 coins were minted in proof condition with this one the finest by any grading service. Lovely iridescent toning. NGC PF-67 Cameo. 2 coins of 1967, 10 Lirot. Victory Commemorative, Six Day War. 37.15mm. KM-49. Mintage: 50,420. Obv: The Western Wall. Around the lower border, to the right, the date of its restoration to Jewish worship, in Hebrew "28th day of lyar 5727" and "1967" in English. Rev: In the center, the emblem of the Israel Defense Forces, against a stylized star. Around the upper border, between the rays of the star, the word "Israel" in Arabic, Hebrew and English. Around the lower border, the face value"10 Israeli Lirot" in Hebrew. PCGS PF-68. 2 coins of 1967. Port of Eilat. Israel's 19th Anniversary of Independence Coin. Mintage: 30,158. Obv: A large numeral "5", representing the face value, spreads across the coin surface. To the left, is the currency "Israeli Lirot" in Hebrew. In the lower curve of the "5", in the lower right-hand-side of the coin, engraved is the word "Israel" in Hebrew and Arabic and the mint year "5727-1967" in Hebrew and English. Rev: The Hebrew inscription, around the upper border, "A Decade of Eilat's Port". Beneath, a stylized lighthouse, the seawall, roof line and gate of the lighthouse together form the Hebrew letters of "Eilat". PCGS MS-68. 1969. Israel. 1 Lira. 27.5mm. KM-47. Copper-Nickel. Obv. Three stylized grenadine fruits, state emblem (menorah flanked by olive branches). Rev: Value, 2 stars (image from early coins at about 103 B.C. Alexander Jannaeus). Beautifully toned specimen. NGC MS-65. 1975. 25 Lirot. Mintage: 39,887. This coin was issued by the Bank of Israel to mark the 25th Anniversary of the Israel Bond Organization. An investment in Israel's future, motivated by the solidarity of it's people and the confidence in it's economy. Obv: A multiplied image of the "Star of David", in the center. The inscription around the rim, "25 Years State of Israel Bonds" in Hebrew and English. Rev: The denomination of "25" or "500" Lirot with the state emblem below. Around the rim, the inscription "Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic, and the date "1975/5735". The uncirculated silver coin is mintmarked with a 6 pointed star at the bottom. The proof coins are mintmarked with a Hebrew 'mem' at the bottom. The Gold Proof coin mintmarked at the upper right. PCGS PR-65 Cameo. 1977 Israel. 25 Lirot. Pidyon Haben. KM-89.1. Mintage: 32,089. 36mm. Obv: Value above menorah flanked by sprigs. Rev: Artistic star-like design. NGC PF-68.
Zohar is right on the money with the OGP. I have a bunch of Israeli commems that came with a large group that I bought and every coin had dreck on it from the OGP.
I've always wondered why some of these coins just don't have the "book value" to match the very low mintages - does that change once they're graded?
