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The Israel 1 New Sheqel 1992 KM#231 UNC "Roe and Lily" silver coin beautifully captures a scene of natural grace paired with profound biblical symbolism. Issued by the Bank of Israel, this commemorative piece blends numismatic artistry with cultural heritage, featuring motifs that resonate deeply within Jewish tradition and Israeli identity. Struck in silver and preserved in Uncirculated (UNC) condition, the Roe and Lily coin exemplifies Israel’s tradition of celebrating its historical and spiritual roots through carefully crafted modern coinage. Its combination of refined design, religious significance, and pristine preservation make it a remarkable representation of Israel’s ongoing dialogue between past and present.
Israel’s commemorative coin program, which began shortly after the nation’s founding in 1948, has consistently drawn upon themes from ancient history, religion, and nature to create coins of profound meaning. By the early 1990s, the Bank of Israel and the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation (IGCMC) had produced a wide array of issues, many of which focused on values, landscapes, and biblical stories. The Roe and Lily coin, issued in 1992, was part of the “Peaceful Scenes” series—a collection of coins designed to celebrate ideals of beauty, peace, and spiritual fulfillment. This particular piece draws imagery from the Song of Songs, one of the most poetic books of the Hebrew Bible, linking it to Israel’s ancient literary tradition and its modern aspirations for peace and prosperity.
The obverse of the 1992 Israel 1 New Sheqel silver coin carries the official Emblem of the State of Israel, which features a menorah flanked by olive branches, an enduring symbol of light, wisdom, and peace. Surrounding the emblem are the inscriptions of the word "Israel" in Hebrew, Arabic, and English, demonstrating Israel’s cultural and linguistic diversity. Below the emblem appear the denomination “1 New Sheqel” and the date of minting in both Hebrew and English. On an Uncirculated example, the obverse maintains its original brilliance and sharpness, with the fine lines of the menorah and the surrounding branches rendered crisply against the smooth, satin-like fields, showcasing the precision craftsmanship characteristic of Israeli numismatic issues from this period.
The reverse design, the true centerpiece of the coin’s aesthetic and thematic appeal, features a graceful roe (a species of small deer) standing alert among stylized lilies. The imagery is directly inspired by the Song of Songs, where the beloved is compared to a roe or a young hart among the lilies, evoking innocence, beauty, and purity. This vivid portrayal connects natural imagery to human emotions, a hallmark of biblical poetry. On a UNC specimen, the fine details of the roe’s slender form, the gentle curvature of the lilies, and the flowing lines of the background elements are sharply defined, with frosted devices standing out elegantly against the brilliant, mirror-like fields to create a stunning visual contrast.
The 1992 Roe and Lily coin was struck in .850 fine silver, consistent with Israel’s standard specifications for commemorative issues of the period. The coin measures approximately 30 millimeters in diameter and has a weight of 14.4 grams, making it a manageable and pleasing size for both display and storage. The Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation oversaw the production, ensuring that each piece met the high standards of quality that collectors have come to expect from Israeli numismatic offerings. Mintage for this issue was intentionally limited to enhance its collectibility, with both Uncirculated and Proof versions made available to the public, though the UNC versions remain especially prized for their untouched, pristine state.
Condition is crucial to the value and appeal of the 1992 Israel Roe and Lily silver coin. In Uncirculated condition, the coin retains full mint luster, exhibiting the bright, original sheen that dances across its surfaces when rotated under light. No signs of circulation, such as folds, bends, scratches, or edge nicks, mar the purity of the design. The high points, including the delicate outlines of the roe and the petals of the lilies, remain perfectly preserved, with no evidence of flattening or wear. The sharpness of the strike and the smoothness of the background fields give the coin an exceptional visual impact, allowing collectors to fully appreciate the intricate artistry and symbolic resonance of the imagery.
The symbolic elements of the Roe and Lily coin contribute greatly to its importance beyond mere aesthetic beauty. The roe deer is traditionally associated with swiftness, gentleness, and affection, while the lily represents purity, renewal, and divine beauty. Together, they weave a narrative of love, peace, and natural harmony, ideals that resonate deeply within Jewish religious tradition and broader human experience. By drawing on the Song of Songs, a text rich with metaphor and spiritual longing, the coin invites reflection on the intimate connection between the land of Israel, its people, and the enduring spiritual themes that have shaped its culture across centuries.
Numismatically, the Roe and Lily silver coin holds a special place among collectors of modern Israeli coinage, Judaica, and biblical-themed pieces. It represents a continuation of Israel’s commitment to producing commemorative coins that are not only precious metal investments but also works of art and vehicles for cultural memory. The relatively low mintage and high quality of the 1992 UNC issue ensure its desirability for collectors building specialized sets focusing on nature, peace symbolism, or scriptural inspirations. It is also an accessible and meaningful entry point for new collectors interested in combining their passions for history, art, and faith through numismatics.
The 1992 Israel 1 New Sheqel Roe and Lily silver coin remains a beautiful testament to the power of nature and scripture to inspire human creativity and aspiration. Its enduring message of beauty, purity, and harmony continues to resonate with collectors and admirers worldwide. Held in Uncirculated condition, the coin captures a moment of artistry and meaning in a form that is both visually stunning and historically rich. It serves as a reminder that even in the most modest of denominations, coins can carry profound stories, linking the modern world to ancient traditions through the universal language of art and symbolism.
The Israel 1 New Sheqel 1992 KM#231 UNC Roe and Lily silver coin stands as a masterful blend of aesthetic beauty, spiritual depth, and technical excellence. With its sharp strike, radiant surfaces, and timeless themes, it continues to captivate collectors who seek more than mere metal value in their holdings. As a tribute to the power of peace, natural beauty, and cultural heritage, the Roe and Lily coin holds a unique and lasting place within the rich tapestry of Israel’s commemorative coinage legacy.