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The Israel 10 New Shekel 1997 “First Zionist Congress” PF67 Ultra Cameo NGC silver proof coin commemorates the centennial anniversary of a landmark event in modern Jewish history—the convening of the First Zionist Congress in 1897. This congress, held in Basel, Switzerland, was organized by Theodor Herzl and marked the formal beginning of the political Zionist movement, aiming to establish a national homeland for the Jewish people in the land of Israel. Issued by the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation (IGCMC) under the authority of the Bank of Israel, the coin is struck in .925 sterling silver and graded PF67 Ultra Cameo by NGC, signifying a high-quality proof coin with strong cameo contrast and minor imperfections visible under magnification.
The reverse of the coin features an intricately detailed portrait of Theodor Herzl, the founder of political Zionism, standing on the balcony of the Hotel Les Trois Rois in Basel. His arms are folded, his gaze contemplative—a pose inspired by the famous photograph taken during the 1897 congress. Behind him, the Star of David is prominently displayed, interwoven with a stylized Menorah. The image symbolizes both the visionary leadership of Herzl and the ideological light that Zionism brought to the Jewish diaspora. The Hebrew inscription “הקונגרס הציוני הראשון” arcs along the top of the design, while “First Zionist Congress” is inscribed in English at the bottom, framing the central motif.
Herzl’s vision, outlined in his 1896 pamphlet *Der Judenstaat* (The Jewish State), galvanized international Jewish communities and laid the ideological groundwork for the eventual establishment of the modern State of Israel in 1948. The First Zionist Congress brought together over 200 delegates from various countries, creating a unified platform to promote the cultural, political, and economic aspirations of the Jewish people. The coin’s depiction of Herzl against the backdrop of Zionist symbols reinforces the profound significance of this moment as a turning point in Jewish national consciousness.
The obverse of the coin follows the standard format of Israeli commemorative coins from the era. The top of the design bears the official emblem of the State of Israel—a menorah flanked by olive branches—representing peace, enlightenment, and continuity. Below the emblem, the country’s name is inscribed in Hebrew, Arabic, and English. The denomination “10 New Shekels” appears prominently in both Hebrew and English, followed by the Gregorian year “1997” and the corresponding Hebrew year “5757.” The minimalistic layout of the obverse allows the solemn national elements to stand in dignified contrast to the more dynamic reverse imagery.
Struck in proof quality, the coin was manufactured using highly polished dies and carefully prepared planchets to achieve a mirror-like finish and crisp relief. The Ultra Cameo designation indicates a dramatic contrast between the frosted devices—such as Herzl’s profile and the background Star of David—and the deeply reflective fields. The detailed engraving captures Herzl’s beard, expression, and posture with finesse, lending a lifelike quality to the portrait that echoes the photographic source while enhancing it through the medium of numismatic art.
The PF67 grade from NGC denotes a proof coin with only minor imperfections under 5x magnification. These may include small hairlines, minute contact marks, or faint clouding in the mirrored fields. While not quite at the level of PF68 or higher, a PF67 Ultra Cameo coin still retains exceptional eye appeal and strong contrast. The frosted elements remain well-defined, and the overall strike is sharp, reflecting the original craftsmanship of the Israel Mint. For collectors who prioritize historical and symbolic content over absolute perfection, this grade offers an excellent balance between quality and affordability.
The coin was issued in a low mintage, typical of IGCMC silver commemoratives. While exact numbers may vary, the production was generally limited to fewer than 5,000 pieces. Each coin was issued with a certificate of authenticity and presented in a custom display case, often accompanied by explanatory material highlighting the historical significance of the First Zionist Congress. As with many Israeli commemoratives, the limited supply combined with thematic resonance ensures enduring demand among Judaica collectors, historians, and numismatists alike.
As part of Israel’s broader series of coins commemorating pivotal figures and milestones in Jewish history, the “First Zionist Congress” coin holds a particularly prominent place. It not only honors Herzl as an individual but also memorializes the broader movement that eventually led to the reestablishment of Jewish sovereignty in the ancestral homeland. The coin serves as a tangible connection to an ideological revolution that altered the trajectory of Jewish life in the 20th century and continues to shape its destiny in the 21st.
The design strikes a compelling balance between realism and symbolism. Herzl is rendered with photographic accuracy, while the Menorah and Star of David provide deeper iconographic meaning. This duality reflects the coin’s dual function as both historical artifact and ideological statement. The background elements are subtly integrated to avoid overwhelming the central portrait, allowing the viewer to focus on Herzl’s commanding figure and the ideals he represented. The choice of silver as the medium reinforces the notion of purity, resilience, and value—qualities associated with both the metal and the movement.
Collectors drawn to themes of Jewish nationalism, Zionism, or modern Israeli history will find this coin especially meaningful. Its artistry, subject matter, and limited mintage make it suitable for inclusion in a range of collections—from themed Judaica series to more comprehensive international proof sets. The PF67 Ultra Cameo grade ensures that the coin retains excellent presentation qualities while remaining accessible to a broader audience of enthusiasts. The coin also serves as an educational tool, offering a starting point for discussions about Zionist ideology, Jewish statehood, and the enduring legacy of Herzl’s vision.
The Israel 10 New Shekel 1997 “First Zionist Congress” PF67 Ultra Cameo NGC silver proof coin is a thoughtfully crafted tribute to one of the foundational moments of modern Jewish history. Its compelling design, fine production quality, and powerful symbolism combine to make it a worthy addition to any collection focused on historical, cultural, or numismatic significance. It stands not merely as a piece of metal, but as a miniature monument to visionary leadership, national identity, and the realization of a long-held dream.