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The Israel 10 New Shekel 1996 “Miriam & the Women” PF69 Ultra Cameo NGC silver proof coin pays tribute to one of the most evocative and celebratory moments in the Hebrew Bible: the joyous song and dance led by the prophetess Miriam after the Israelites’ deliverance from the Egyptian army at the Red Sea. Issued by the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation (IGCMC) and struck in .925 sterling silver, this commemorative coin honors the strength, leadership, and spirituality of women in ancient Israelite tradition. Graded PF69 Ultra Cameo by NGC, the coin exemplifies high-quality production with near-flawless surfaces and deeply frosted relief.
The coin’s reverse features a graceful and emotionally powerful depiction of Miriam, sister of Moses and Aaron, leading the women of Israel in celebration. The design shows Miriam holding a tambourine aloft, her robes flowing as she dances. Around her, other women join in praise, capturing the spirit of Exodus 15:20-21, where Miriam leads the women in song and timbrel after the miraculous parting of the Red Sea. The Hebrew inscription “מרים והנשים” appears above the scene, with the English translation “Miriam and the Women” curving along the bottom. The composition radiates movement, rhythm, and spiritual release.
Miriam occupies a central role in Jewish tradition not only as a prophetess, but also as a symbol of resilience, leadership, and female spirituality. Her act of leading the women in dance is seen as an expression of faith and gratitude—an emotional release after generations of slavery and fear. This moment is one of the earliest recorded instances of organized female religious expression in the Bible, and its commemoration in coinage highlights Israel’s effort to honor important but sometimes overlooked female figures in its cultural and spiritual history.
The obverse of the coin follows the traditional format for Israeli commemorative silver issues. At the top is the official emblem of the State of Israel: a menorah flanked by two olive branches, symbols of peace, continuity, and enlightenment. Beneath this emblem, the word “Israel” is inscribed in Hebrew, Arabic, and English. The denomination “10 New Shekels” is displayed in both Hebrew and English, alongside the Gregorian year “1996” and its Hebrew calendar equivalent “5756.” The clean and elegant design of the obverse serves as a formal counterbalance to the emotional energy of the reverse scene.
This proof coin was struck using specially polished dies and planchets to achieve the high-contrast Ultra Cameo effect. The frosted design elements stand out against mirrored fields, giving the scene a dramatic visual impact. The flowing garments, expressive gestures, and individual strands of hair in Miriam’s figure are rendered with remarkable detail. The depth and clarity of the relief are heightened by the expertly executed cameo finish, allowing the central figures to appear almost sculptural against the reflective background.
The PF69 Ultra Cameo grade from NGC designates a coin in virtually perfect condition, with only the slightest imperfections under 5x magnification. No haze, milk spots, or distracting blemishes are present. The mirrored fields remain clean and highly reflective, while the frosted devices retain their full texture and definition. Coins at this grade level, particularly with such finely detailed designs, represent exceptional quality and are especially valued by collectors seeking the best available examples of modern Judaic coinage.
The coin was produced in a strictly limited mintage, consistent with the IGCMC’s policy of issuing commemoratives in small numbers to preserve collectibility and market exclusivity. While the precise mintage of the 1996 “Miriam & the Women” silver proof coin varies by source, it is generally understood to have been fewer than 5,000 pieces. Each coin was issued with a certificate of authenticity and presented in a velvet-lined display box, underscoring its status as both a national commemorative and a work of numismatic art.
This issue is part of Israel’s broader “Biblical Women” or “Women in the Bible” series, which seeks to spotlight the roles of key female figures in Jewish scripture. In contrast to commemorations of political leaders or military victories, this series emphasizes spiritual, moral, and cultural contributions made by women—figures often neglected in traditional national narratives. The “Miriam & the Women” coin, in particular, celebrates not only a historical moment but also themes of collective female joy, empowerment, and faith in divine justice.
The artistic design of the reverse masterfully combines narrative clarity with visual elegance. The movement of the figures, the raised tambourine, and the rhythmic posture of the dancers create a sense of life and emotion rarely captured in small-scale metalwork. The coin manages to convey not just a biblical story but also the emotional texture of its characters—the joy, reverence, and spiritual connection of women liberated from oppression. The choice of silver as the medium further enhances the thematic richness, linking precious metal with sacred memory.
As a collectible, the 1996 Israel 10 New Shekel “Miriam & the Women” PF69 Ultra Cameo NGC silver proof coin holds strong appeal across a range of collecting interests. For Judaica collectors, it offers a reverent portrayal of a central biblical figure. For those interested in women’s history, it honors a rare moment of female religious leadership. And for numismatists of modern commemoratives, it represents top-tier production quality, scarcity, and artistic excellence. Whether kept in a display case or stored securely in a certified holder, the coin continues to resonate as a testament to joy, liberation, and the enduring power of faith and music.