-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 56577
Checkout
The Israel 1 New Sheqel 1990 KM#215 UNC silver coin honors the Cochin lamp, a symbol of the Jewish community from Cochin, India, and their rich religious and cultural traditions. Struck in sterling silver (.925 fine) by the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation under the authority of the Bank of Israel, this coin belongs to the "Ancient Artifacts" series, which celebrates Israel's diverse Jewish heritage through historically significant ceremonial objects. The Cochin lamp coin highlights the beauty and spiritual meaning of a unique Jewish artifact while commemorating the cultural journey of the Cochin Jews from India to the modern State of Israel.
The Cochin Jewish community traces its roots back more than 2,000 years, with traditions suggesting settlement in India after the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Over centuries, Cochin Jews maintained their religious identity, developed a distinctive Jewish-Indian cultural blend, and crafted ceremonial objects reflecting both Jewish ritual and Indian artistic influences. Among these is the hanging brass or bronze oil lamp, used during Sabbaths and festivals, featuring multiple wicks and a graceful, symmetrical design. The 1990 coin captures the spiritual elegance of this ceremonial item, celebrating both its functionality and its aesthetic heritage.
The obverse of the coin features a stylized depiction of the Cochin lamp, suspended and elegantly symmetrical, with seven wicks extending outward from a central reservoir. The design is highly symbolic, referencing the menorah’s seven branches and the enduring light of Jewish faith. The rendering is minimalist yet evocative, with smooth curves and balanced proportions that suggest both sacred geometry and practical artistry. Above the lamp is the inscription “COCHIN LAMP,” with the name also written in Hebrew (“מנורת קוצ’ין”) and Arabic (“مصباح كوتشين”), ensuring accessibility and cultural inclusivity across Israel’s multilingual context.
Also on the obverse are the name “ISRAEL” in English, Hebrew, and Arabic, along with the mint year “1990” and the Hebrew calendar equivalent “תש”ן.” The design is completed with a small Star of David mintmark, indicating the coin’s official issue by the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation. The layout maintains a strong balance of text and image, reinforcing the historical importance of the lamp while situating it within a modern numismatic framework. The Cochin lamp depicted is based on real examples found in the synagogues of Cochin and later brought to Israel, where they continue to be preserved as treasured artifacts.
The reverse of the coin bears the denomination “1 NEW SHEQEL” in all three official languages—Hebrew, English, and Arabic. The large central numeral “1” is surrounded by these inscriptions in a circular arrangement. A ring of dots near the rim frames the design and alludes to traditional coin motifs of antiquity, subtly connecting the modern currency to its ancient roots. The simplicity and clarity of the reverse enhance the visual impact of the obverse and align with the consistent style of Israel’s commemorative coins from the period.
The coin is composed of sterling silver with a .925 purity, weighs 28.8 grams (approximately one troy ounce), and measures 38.7 millimeters in diameter. Though officially classified as “uncirculated” (UNC), the coin was struck with above-average care, ensuring clean surfaces, sharp edges, and strong design clarity. While lacking the mirrored fields of proof issues, uncirculated specimens are often visually impressive and are typically issued in capsules or sleeves for preservation. The Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation frequently packaged these coins with certificates of authenticity, and sometimes with informational inserts about the artifact being honored.
The mintage of the 1990 Cochin Lamp coin was deliberately limited to preserve its collectible status. While precise figures may vary depending on the type of packaging, typical uncirculated versions were released in relatively small quantities, usually fewer than 10,000 units. This scarcity, combined with the coin’s rich cultural subject and silver content, has maintained its appeal among collectors. As part of the Ancient Artifacts series, it complements other coins dedicated to items like the Persian lamp, oil jug, and ancient figurines—each telling a story of Jewish life and faith through the ages.
Coins preserved in UNC condition generally display excellent surface integrity, full detail, and minimal to no handling marks. The Cochin Lamp coin, when properly stored in its original capsule or a sealed environment, maintains its luster and definition over time. Collectors seek out examples that show no signs of tarnish, spots, or environmental damage. Some of these coins are also submitted for third-party grading by services such as NGC or PCGS, and high-grade certified pieces—typically MS69 or MS70—are particularly desirable in the marketplace.
The significance of the Cochin lamp extends beyond numismatics, symbolizing the continuity and adaptability of Jewish religious practices in the diaspora. The lamp embodies Jewish resilience and the integration of local artistic styles into ritual objects. Its symmetrical form and multiple flames evoke imagery associated with both the menorah and the divine light of Sabbath observance. For Israeli citizens and Jewish communities worldwide, this coin commemorates the cultural richness brought by Cochin Jews to Israel and pays tribute to their lasting contributions to the national heritage.
The 1990 Cochin Lamp coin is of special interest to those collecting Judaica, Israeli silver commemoratives, or themed series based on religious and ceremonial artifacts. Its educational and cultural relevance also makes it appealing to historians, museum professionals, and scholars of Jewish diaspora life. As a standalone piece or part of a full set, it captures the essence of Israel’s effort to honor and preserve its multifaceted Jewish heritage through beautiful, meaningful coinage. The trilingual inscriptions, silver content, and dignified design all contribute to its universal appeal.
In conclusion, the Israel 1 New Sheqel 1990 KM#215 UNC silver coin featuring the Cochin lamp is a distinguished and culturally profound numismatic item. Blending historical reverence with artistic elegance, it honors a unique Jewish community while celebrating a timeless symbol of ritual light and spiritual continuity. With its limited mintage, sterling silver composition, and rich contextual background, the Cochin Lamp coin stands out as a key piece in Israel’s Ancient Artifacts series and a treasured item for collectors of heritage-focused coinage around the world.