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The Israel 10 New Shekel 1995 “Caesarea” PF70 Ultra Cameo NGC silver proof coin is a numismatic celebration of one of Israel’s most historically significant archaeological and architectural sites. Issued by the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation (IGCMC) under the authority of the Bank of Israel, this coin forms part of a larger series honoring the country’s rich heritage through its ancient cities and cultural landmarks. Struck in .925 sterling silver and awarded a perfect PF70 Ultra Cameo grade by NGC, the coin blends exceptional artistry, historical reverence, and technical perfection to create a collectible that speaks to millennia of civilization in the land of Israel.
The reverse of the coin features a detailed depiction of the ruins of the Roman theater at Caesarea Maritima, set against a stylized background of waves and stone arches. This iconic amphitheater, situated on Israel’s Mediterranean coast, is one of the best-preserved structures from the Roman period in the region. The coin’s imagery captures both the architectural elegance of Roman engineering and the enduring legacy of the ancient city. The Hebrew inscription “קיסריה” (Caesarea) is placed prominently above the theater, with the English word “Caesarea” inscribed below the image, forming a balanced and symmetrical layout.
The city of Caesarea was founded by Herod the Great around 22 BCE and named in honor of Augustus Caesar. As a major port and administrative hub, it quickly became one of the most important cities in the Roman province of Judea. Its harbor, known as Sebastos, was a marvel of ancient engineering, and the city included temples, aqueducts, bathhouses, and a hippodrome in addition to the grand theater depicted on the coin. Caesarea served as the capital of the province for several centuries and played a central role in the spread of Christianity, the Roman-Jewish wars, and later, during the Byzantine and Crusader eras.
The obverse of the coin follows the standard format for Israeli commemorative coinage. It features the official emblem of the State of Israel—a menorah flanked by olive branches—at the top, symbolizing the modern nation’s identity and aspirations. Below it, the name “Israel” is inscribed in Hebrew, Arabic, and English. The denomination “10 New Shekels” is presented in both Hebrew and English as well, accompanied by the dual dating “1995” and “5755,” representing the Gregorian and Hebrew calendar years. The obverse’s dignified simplicity contrasts effectively with the ornate and historically rich reverse.
Struck in proof quality, the coin was meticulously crafted using polished dies and high-quality planchets to achieve the desired Ultra Cameo effect. The reflective mirrored fields are separated from the frosted relief elements with sharp contrast, a hallmark of premium proof coinage. On this coin, the delicate stonework of the theater’s ruins is frosted, giving it a lifelike, three-dimensional appearance that stands out against the mirror-like background. The architectural details—including the stage area, tiered seating, and supporting arches—are rendered with remarkable precision and clarity.
The PF70 Ultra Cameo grade assigned by NGC denotes a coin in absolute perfect condition, with no post-production flaws visible even under magnification. The surfaces are immaculate, with no blemishes, haze, or hairlines. The frosted design elements are evenly textured and uniformly applied, while the mirrored fields are deep and uninterrupted. Such a flawless piece not only exhibits the skill of the Israel Mint’s production team but also ensures long-term collector value, especially in light of the coin’s low mintage and historical appeal.
The mintage of the 1995 “Caesarea” silver proof coin was intentionally limited, in keeping with the IGCMC’s tradition of producing low-quantity commemorative issues aimed at collectors and institutions. While specific production numbers vary, the coin was likely issued in a range of around 3,000 to 5,000 pieces. Each coin was accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and presented in a protective display case. Due to this modest mintage, high-grade examples like PF70 Ultra Cameo are relatively rare and increasingly difficult to locate on the secondary market.
This coin is part of the "Ancient Cities in Israel" series, which aims to educate the public and collectors about Israel’s archaeological and historical landmarks through numismatic art. The “Caesarea” coin stands out within this series for its classical elegance and for its emphasis on Roman architecture, offering a perspective on the blend of cultures—Jewish, Roman, Byzantine, and later Islamic and Crusader—that have shaped the land. Collectors drawn to coins that reflect the broader tapestry of ancient history will find this issue particularly rewarding.
The coin’s design achieves a fine balance between realism and stylization. The Roman theater is represented with artistic clarity, yet the waves and abstract background elements hint at the city’s Mediterranean setting and long-abandoned state before modern archaeological restoration. This combination of natural and man-made imagery gives the design both spatial depth and symbolic resonance. The viewer is reminded not only of what once was but also of the processes of decay, rediscovery, and preservation that make such monuments meaningful today.
As a cultural artifact, the coin speaks to themes of continuity and change. From Herodian builders to modern Israeli archaeologists and tourists, Caesarea has been a site of significance across two thousand years of history. This commemorative coin, struck in silver and frozen in perfect condition, becomes part of that timeline. It is a modern tribute to an ancient city—offered not as a ruin, but as a living memory rendered in precious metal. The numismatic excellence of the piece ensures it will continue to be appreciated both as a collectible and as a tribute to Israel’s enduring historical identity.
The Israel 10 New Shekel 1995 “Caesarea” PF70 Ultra Cameo NGC silver proof coin is a shining example of how numismatics can serve as both an art form and a vessel of historical memory. With its flawless preservation, sophisticated design, and tribute to one of the greatest cities of antiquity, it occupies a place of honor within any Judaica or ancient history-themed collection. It is not only a piece of silver, but a miniature monument to cultural legacy and the passage of time, frozen in gleaming perfection.