-
Inventory:
2 In Stock
- Product ID: 56574
Checkout
The Israel 1 New Sheqel 1987 KM#181 Proof silver coin commemorates the ancient city of Jericho, one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in human history. Issued by the Bank of Israel and struck by the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation, this coin is part of a broader series that highlights archaeological and historical treasures of the Land of Israel. As a numismatic tribute to Jericho's cultural and biblical significance, the coin blends artistic design with historical symbolism. Struck in .925 fine silver with a proof finish, it offers collectors a superb combination of historical interest, national heritage, and high-quality minting.
Jericho, located in the Jordan Valley, is renowned for its extensive archaeological layers and its role in both Old Testament scripture and ancient regional history. As the site of the famous biblical story in which the walls came tumbling down, it holds a central place in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. The city also boasts some of the earliest evidence of fortified urban settlements dating back to the Neolithic period. The coin’s release in 1987 coincided with increased interest in showcasing Israel’s rich archaeological record through commemorative coinage, connecting modern Israel to its ancient past.
The obverse of the coin features a stylized depiction of a wall structure falling down—a visual reference to the biblical account from the Book of Joshua, where the walls of Jericho collapse following the sounding of the Israelite trumpets. Rendered in a modern, minimalist style, the motif suggests ancient stonework cascading in geometric form. Above the design is the inscription “JERICHO” in both English and Hebrew (“יְרִיחוֹ”), with Arabic text also included below. The trilingual presentation is a nod to Israel’s multilingual and multicultural reality, further enriching the coin's design with contextual depth.
Encircling the motif are the words “ISRAEL” in English, Hebrew, and Arabic, along with the mint year “1987” and the Hebrew calendar date “תשמ”ז.” These inscriptions underscore the coin’s national origin and place it within both secular and religious temporal frameworks. The Star of David mintmark appears in small relief, denoting its official status as a government-issued commemorative coin. The simplicity of the obverse design enhances the symbolism of the collapsed wall, a theme of divine intervention and transformative historical moments.
The reverse of the coin bears the denomination “1 NEW SHEQEL” in Hebrew (“שקל חדש אחד”), English, and Arabic, arranged in a circular pattern around the numeral “1.” The font is clean and modern, aligning with the graphic style of the entire series. Surrounding the denomination is a ring of dots, reminiscent of ancient coin border designs, lending the piece a classical numismatic appearance. The reverse is elegant in its restraint, balancing modern national currency elements with subtle allusions to historical coinage forms from the region.
The coin is struck in sterling silver (.925 fineness) and has a weight of 28.8 grams, equivalent to one ounce. Its diameter is approximately 38.7 millimeters, giving it substantial presence in hand and display. The proof quality means each coin was struck multiple times using highly polished dies, resulting in frosted raised devices and deeply mirrored fields. The combination of reflective surfaces and matte elements brings the design to life and emphasizes the artistry behind the commemorative concept. These proof versions were issued in limited numbers, typically accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and housed in a protective presentation case.
The mintage for the 1987 Jericho 1 New Sheqel silver proof coin was limited, consistent with the relatively small-scale production of Israel’s numismatic issues. While exact production numbers can vary depending on final distribution, the coin was issued in relatively low quantities—often fewer than 10,000 pieces. This restricted release adds to the coin’s appeal among collectors of world silver commemoratives, Judaica, and archaeological-themed coinage. It is also of interest to those who collect coins issued by the Bank of Israel or who focus on biblical or Middle Eastern subjects.
Coins in proof condition are typically housed in original display cases provided by the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation, which offers a high degree of protection from environmental damage. The black clamshell or leatherette-style case often includes a clear capsule and foam insert to secure the coin. A bilingual or trilingual certificate of authenticity accompanies the set, providing technical specifications and a brief description of the historical theme. Collectors particularly value these complete original packaging components, as they confirm provenance and ensure long-term preservation.
The condition of surviving examples is generally excellent due to the careful handling and packaging of proof coins. Nevertheless, some examples may exhibit light toning or haze over time if not stored in climate-controlled environments. Coins that remain in flawless condition, with no signs of spotting, contact marks, or environmental degradation, are especially desirable. Third-party grading services such as NGC and PCGS occasionally certify these coins, though the majority are preserved in their original government-issued capsules. Graded examples in PR69 or PR70 condition command higher premiums among registry and showcase collectors.
Collectors are drawn to the 1987 Jericho proof coin for several reasons: its rich historical narrative, the relevance of its biblical theme, and the quality of its production. For those building a thematic set focused on the Land of Israel series, this coin is a cornerstone. Its design successfully merges modern graphic interpretation with deep cultural resonance, offering a dignified portrayal of one of the world's most significant archaeological sites. It is also popular with collectors of coins featuring ancient architecture or those with connections to sacred texts and scriptural heritage.
In conclusion, the Israel 1 New Sheqel 1987 KM#181 Jericho proof silver coin is a beautifully designed and historically rich numismatic piece. With its striking imagery, sterling silver composition, and limited mintage, it serves as a poignant tribute to one of the world’s most storied cities. Its place within Israel’s archaeological commemorative coin program enhances its significance, making it an essential acquisition for collectors of Judaica, biblical themes, and international silver commemoratives. When preserved in its original proof condition, the coin stands as a brilliant intersection of art, faith, and archaeology in modern numismatics.