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The Israel 2 New Sheqalim 1995 KM#268 PF "50th Anniversary – Defeat of Nazi Germany" silver coin is a solemn and powerful tribute to one of the most pivotal moments in modern history. Issued by the Bank of Israel and struck by the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation (IGCMC), this commemorative piece marks the end of World War II and the fall of the Nazi regime, a victory that brought liberation to countless millions and ultimately paved the way for the establishment of the State of Israel. Crafted in sterling silver with a meticulous proof (PF) finish, the coin serves not only as a reminder of the horrors overcome but also as a testament to the resilience and hope that emerged from the darkness.
World War II had a profound and tragic impact on the Jewish people, culminating in the Holocaust, where six million Jews were murdered by the Nazis. The defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945 was therefore not just a military victory, but a moment of profound historical and moral significance for the Jewish world. Fifty years later, in 1995, Israel commemorated this anniversary by issuing a special silver coin that honored the courage of those who fought against tyranny and remembered the immense sacrifices made during the war. This coin stands as a tangible link between the struggles of the past and the enduring commitment to the values of freedom, justice, and human dignity.
The obverse of the Israel 2 New Sheqalim 1995 silver coin features the official State Emblem of Israel—a menorah flanked by olive branches—symbolizing enlightenment, resilience, and peace. Above the emblem appears the word "Israel" in Hebrew, Arabic, and English, reflecting the country’s multicultural character. Below the emblem are the denomination "2 New Sheqalim" and the minting year "1995" in both Hebrew and English. In Proof condition, the obverse design is rendered with stunning clarity, with frosted elements standing in stark, elegant contrast against deeply mirrored fields, highlighting the precision and artistry that the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation consistently achieved with its commemorative issues.
The reverse design of the coin is deeply evocative and laden with symbolism. It features a Star of David rising from the barbed wire of a concentration camp fence—a powerful image that encapsulates both suffering and triumph. The design vividly portrays the liberation and rebirth of the Jewish people following the devastation of the Holocaust. Surrounding the central imagery are inscriptions in Hebrew and English: "50th Anniversary of the Defeat of Nazi Germany" and the corresponding Hebrew text. In Proof condition, the delicate interplay between the frosted devices and the brilliant mirrored background enhances the emotional impact of the scene, giving depth and immediacy to the depiction of suffering transformed into hope.
The 1995 Defeat of Nazi Germany coin was struck in .925 fine silver, commonly referred to as sterling silver, a traditional standard for Israel’s highest-quality commemorative issues. The coin measures approximately 37 millimeters in diameter and weighs about 28.8 grams, providing a substantial and satisfying presence in hand. Proof coins such as this are struck multiple times on specially polished planchets with polished dies, resulting in sharply defined frosted motifs and deep mirror-like fields that distinguish them from standard uncirculated coins. The mintage of the coin was intentionally limited to ensure its collectibility and to honor the solemnity of the occasion with a dignified, high-quality commemorative issue.
Condition plays an essential role in the appreciation and valuation of the 1995 Defeat of Nazi Germany coin. In true Proof (PF) condition, the coin displays flawless surfaces with no signs of handling, hairlines, or imperfections. The mirrored fields must be crystal clear and free from spotting, clouding, or any form of post-mint damage. The frosted devices—the Star of David, the barbed wire, the inscriptions—should retain their full sharpness and fine texture. In such preserved condition, the emotional power of the design is fully realized, offering a vivid, tangible representation of the themes of survival, liberation, and rebirth that define the coin’s purpose and meaning.
The powerful symbolism encapsulated in the design of the coin serves to communicate a universal message. The barbed wire is a stark reminder of the suffering endured by millions, while the emerging Star of David signals the resurgence of Jewish life and sovereignty following unimaginable loss. This image speaks not only to Israel’s rebirth as a nation in 1948 but also to the broader ideals of human rights, freedom, and the enduring struggle against oppression. The coin thus serves both as a commemoration of a specific historical event and as a timeless reminder of the values that must continue to guide humanity’s collective conscience.
From a numismatic standpoint, the Israel 2 New Sheqalim 1995 Defeat of Nazi Germany silver coin holds a significant place within Israel’s modern commemorative series. It is particularly prized by collectors who specialize in coins with historical themes, Judaica, Holocaust remembrance, or World War II-related numismatics. Its limited mintage, sterling silver content, exceptional proof quality, and deeply meaningful design ensure its ongoing desirability. It fits within broader collections focused on themes of resilience, remembrance, and human dignity, offering collectors a profound and tangible connection to one of the most pivotal chapters of the 20th century.
The historical timing of the coin’s issuance, coming exactly fifty years after the end of World War II, adds another layer of importance. In 1995, Israel and much of the world engaged in ceremonies and reflections honoring the courage of those who fought and the memory of those who perished. The Defeat of Nazi Germany silver coin stands as part of this global effort to ensure that the lessons of the past are never forgotten. It is not merely a coin but a small monument to the sacrifices made and the enduring hope that emerged from the ashes of destruction.
The Israel 2 New Sheqalim 1995 KM#268 PF "50th Anniversary – Defeat of Nazi Germany" silver coin remains one of the most emotionally resonant and historically significant pieces in Israel’s numismatic history. Its flawless proof finish, profound symbolism, and expert craftsmanship combine to create a coin that transcends its material value. Whether cherished for its commemorative purpose, its artistic beauty, or its role in preserving the memory of one of history’s most critical moments, the 1995 Defeat of Nazi Germany coin stands as a powerful reminder of the triumph of hope over despair and the enduring strength of the human spirit.