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The Israel 2 New Sheqalim 1995 KM#279 PF "Peace Treaty with Jordan" silver coin stands as a numismatic celebration of one of the most significant diplomatic achievements in the modern history of the Middle East. Issued by the Bank of Israel and struck by the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation (IGCMC), this coin commemorates the historic 1994 peace treaty signed between the State of Israel and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Marking an official end to decades of hostilities, the treaty symbolized a moment of hope for lasting peace in a region long characterized by conflict. Struck in sterling silver and finished to the highest proof (PF) standards, this coin encapsulates the spirit of reconciliation, diplomacy, and mutual recognition between two neighboring nations.
For decades following Israel’s founding in 1948, relations between Israel and Jordan were marked by conflict, particularly during the wars of 1948 and 1967. Despite their proximity and many covert communications over the years, formal peace remained elusive. However, shifting geopolitical realities, including the 1993 Oslo Accords between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, opened new opportunities for peace. On October 26, 1994, Israel’s Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Jordan’s King Hussein signed the Israel–Jordan Peace Treaty, normalizing relations, establishing diplomatic exchanges, and outlining cooperation in areas such as trade, tourism, and water sharing. In 1995, Israel honored this landmark event with the issuance of a commemorative silver coin, capturing the aspirations and optimism of a new era in regional relations.
The obverse of the 1995 Israel 2 New Sheqalim silver coin features the official State Emblem of Israel—a menorah flanked by olive branches—symbolizing enlightenment, peace, and resilience. Above the emblem, the name "Israel" appears in Hebrew, Arabic, and English, highlighting the nation’s multilingual and multicultural ethos. Beneath the emblem are the denomination "2 New Sheqalim" and the mint year "1995," written in both Hebrew and English. In Proof condition, the frosted elements of the emblem and inscriptions contrast beautifully with the deeply mirrored background fields, reflecting the expert craftsmanship typical of IGCMC’s proof issues and emphasizing the solemnity and dignity of the coin's message.
The reverse of the coin is dominated by a powerful and hopeful design: two doves flying upward in harmony, with an olive branch held in their beaks, symbolizing the spirit of peace. Beneath the doves, a stylized line represents the Jordan River, the historic natural boundary between Israel and Jordan. The inscriptions "Peace Treaty with Jordan" appear in both Hebrew and English, encircling the upper rim of the coin. In Proof condition, the contrast between the delicately frosted doves and river against the polished, mirror-like fields provides dramatic visual impact, imbuing the scene with a sense of movement, aspiration, and optimism that reflects the essence of the historic agreement.
The 1995 Peace Treaty with Jordan silver coin was struck in .925 fine silver, known as sterling silver, maintaining the tradition of Israel’s premium commemorative coin issues. The coin measures 37 millimeters in diameter and weighs approximately 28.8 grams, giving it a solid and pleasing presence in hand. Proof coins are struck with special care, using highly polished dies and planchets to ensure crisp, detailed reliefs and brilliant mirrored backgrounds. The mintage was intentionally limited to preserve the coin’s exclusivity and to commemorate the treaty’s significance with an issue that would be both a collectible and a lasting historical artifact.
Condition is of paramount importance for collectors, and the 1995 Peace Treaty with Jordan coin in true Proof (PF) state exemplifies the finest in minting quality. A properly preserved example will display flawless, deeply mirrored fields and perfectly frosted devices. The surfaces should be free from any blemishes, haze, spotting, or hairlines that could detract from the coin’s beauty and value. The depiction of the two doves and the flowing river remains sharp, and the inscriptions are crisp and clear. When properly handled and stored, the coin’s striking luster and pristine surfaces ensure that it retains its full original charm and meaning over time.
The symbolic richness of the coin’s design conveys not just the signing of a political document but a profound aspiration for coexistence, security, and mutual prosperity. The doves, a traditional symbol of peace dating back to biblical times, suggest innocence, goodwill, and the promise of a new beginning. The olive branch, associated with peace in both Jewish and broader cultural traditions, reinforces this hopeful message. Meanwhile, the flowing line representing the Jordan River is not just a geographical reference but a symbol of life, continuity, and the bridge between two peoples formerly divided by conflict but now seeking cooperation and shared future development.
Numismatically, the Israel 2 New Sheqalim 1995 Peace Treaty with Jordan silver coin is highly sought after by collectors who focus on Israeli coinage, peace-themed issues, or modern world commemoratives. Its combination of limited mintage, sterling silver content, flawless proof quality, and profound historical significance ensures its enduring appeal. Collectors often view this coin not merely as an object of beauty but as a tangible reminder of a hopeful chapter in Middle Eastern diplomacy, making it an important and moving addition to collections centered on themes of peace, diplomacy, and historical milestones.
The historical context surrounding the coin’s issuance adds another layer of depth to its importance. Coming just a year after the treaty’s signing, the coin was minted during a time of cautious optimism, where diplomatic initiatives were seen as pathways to resolving long-standing conflicts. Though the road to lasting peace has remained complex, the Peace Treaty with Jordan remains a cornerstone of Israeli diplomacy and a rare example of successful, enduring bilateral peace in the region. The 1995 silver coin stands as both a celebration of that moment and a reminder of the ongoing work needed to sustain and expand peace efforts around the world.
The Israel 2 New Sheqalim 1995 KM#279 PF "Peace Treaty with Jordan" silver coin remains a luminous testament to the enduring hope for peace in the Middle East. Its stunning proof finish, elegant and powerful imagery, and profound historical significance make it a standout among Israel’s modern commemorative coinage. Whether valued for its technical excellence, its symbolic resonance, or its role in commemorating a turning point in regional history, the Peace Treaty with Jordan silver coin serves as a lasting tribute to the possibilities of reconciliation, cooperation, and a shared future built upon mutual respect and peace.