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The Israel 10 New Shekel 1994 “Abraham Sacrificing Isaac” PF69 Ultra Cameo NGC silver proof coin commemorates one of the most pivotal and emotionally powerful narratives in the Hebrew Bible. Issued by the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation (IGCMC) under the auspices of the Bank of Israel, this coin is a tribute to the Binding of Isaac—known in Hebrew as the Akedah—a foundational moment in Jewish faith and tradition. Struck in .925 sterling silver and graded PF69 Ultra Cameo by NGC, the coin merges religious symbolism with numismatic precision, offering collectors a deeply meaningful piece of biblical artistry.
The reverse of the coin portrays the dramatic moment in Genesis 22 when Abraham, having received God’s command, prepares to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac. Abraham is shown holding a knife in one hand, poised over the bound figure of Isaac, who lies on an altar of stone. A ram, symbolizing the divinely provided substitute for the boy, is visible in the background near a bush, referencing the animal’s entanglement in the thicket as described in the text. The scene is arranged in a stylized manner, evoking the visual language of ancient Jewish art, particularly synagogue mosaics and illuminated manuscripts. The Hebrew inscription “עקדת יצחק” (Akedat Yitzhak – Binding of Isaac) appears near the upper left, while “Abraham Sacrificing Isaac” in English completes the lower arc.
The powerful symbolism of this coin resonates far beyond the literal representation of the biblical story. The Akedah is often interpreted as the ultimate test of faith, obedience, and divine mercy. In Jewish tradition, the Binding of Isaac signifies unwavering commitment to God, while simultaneously highlighting the sanctity of life through the divine intervention that spares Isaac. This deeply layered meaning is what elevates the coin from a simple commemorative object to a sacred token of theological reflection, making it a compelling addition to Judaica and religious numismatic collections alike.
The obverse of the coin follows the standard format used in Israeli commemorative issues of the 1990s. At the top is the official emblem of the State of Israel, a seven-branched menorah flanked by olive branches, symbolizing wisdom, peace, and continuity. Below it, the word “Israel” appears in Hebrew, Arabic, and English, reflecting the state’s linguistic and cultural pluralism. Further down is the denomination “10 New Shekels” in both Hebrew and English, with the year “1994” and its Hebrew calendar equivalent “5754” beneath. This side of the coin maintains a dignified and official tone, providing a clean and formal counterbalance to the highly emotive reverse.
Struck in proof quality, the coin was produced using polished dies and specially treated blanks to achieve the desired ultra cameo effect. The mirrored fields and frosted relief elements provide exceptional visual contrast. The figures of Abraham and Isaac, the altar, and the ram are rendered in soft, frosted finish, standing out sharply against the dark, reflective background. This visual treatment not only enhances detail but heightens the emotional drama of the scene, drawing the viewer into its sacred tension and spiritual gravitas.
The PF69 Ultra Cameo grade awarded by NGC signifies a near-perfect example, with only the tiniest of imperfections visible under magnification. The coin exhibits strong strike quality, excellent contrast, and flawless mirrored surfaces. There are no visible hairlines, spots, or haze. The relief details—such as Abraham’s beard, Isaac’s bound form, and the texture of the altar—are sharply defined, with even the smallest artistic elements fully intact. Encapsulated in NGC’s secure holder, the coin is preserved for both display and long-term archival storage.
The mintage for this coin was purposefully limited to enhance its appeal among collectors. As with many IGCMC issues of the 1990s, total production likely falls in the range of 3,000 to 5,000 pieces, all individually numbered and issued with a certificate of authenticity and presentation box. These low mintage figures contribute to its scarcity in the marketplace, especially in top-graded PF69 and PF70 examples. This particular coin’s theme, combined with its high condition grade, makes it particularly appealing for collectors interested in biblical narratives or religious-themed silver proofs.
The coin is part of a broader series of Israeli commemoratives that highlight foundational moments from scripture and Jewish history. The “Abraham Sacrificing Isaac” issue stands out for its emotional intensity and its focus on individual faith tested to its limits. While other coins in the series explore national achievements or cultural motifs, this one ventures into the personal and theological, offering a poignant meditation on the cost of devotion and the grace of divine mercy. As such, it speaks not only to the collector, but also to the believer, the scholar, and the student of religious heritage.
The artistry of the reverse design is particularly noteworthy for its restraint and clarity. While the subject matter is dramatic, the composition avoids clutter or unnecessary embellishment. Instead, it allows the raw emotional power of the figures to convey the narrative. Abraham’s posture, the vulnerability of Isaac, and the presence of the ram all work in harmony to evoke the sacred moment without overwhelming the viewer with excessive detail. This minimalist approach amplifies the scene’s emotional weight and theological importance.
In the broader context of world numismatics, this coin holds a unique place as one of the few modern silver proofs to tackle a foundational religious theme with such solemnity and nuance. It joins a select group of coins that address spiritual heritage in a way that is visually moving, historically informed, and technically masterful. It is not merely a representation of a story but a meditative piece, designed to stir reflection on trust, obedience, and divine compassion.
The Israel 10 New Shekel 1994 “Abraham Sacrificing Isaac” PF69 Ultra Cameo NGC silver proof coin is a testament to the enduring relevance of biblical narratives in shaping cultural identity and spiritual thought. With its flawless visual execution, powerful theme, and limited mintage, it remains one of the most evocative issues in Israeli numismatics. For collectors of religious coins, Judaica, or biblical-themed silver, this coin offers both spiritual and artistic depth—a timeless reflection of faith forged in silver.