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The Israel 2 New Sheqalim 1995 Proof silver coin commemorating Solomon’s Judgment is a remarkable numismatic piece that blends biblical heritage, artistic excellence, and modern minting technology. Struck in 1995 by the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation (IGCMC), this coin is part of Israel’s renowned “Biblical Art” series, which pays tribute to some of the most iconic moments and figures from the Hebrew Bible. The 1995 issue, listed as KM#282, honors the famous account of King Solomon’s wise judgment, a story that has come to symbolize justice, discernment, and divine wisdom. This proof coin, minted in sterling silver, is not only a spiritual and cultural artifact but also a masterfully crafted collector’s item.
Solomon’s Judgment refers to a well-known narrative from the First Book of Kings (3:16–28), in which King Solomon resolves a dispute between two women who both claim to be the mother of a living infant. Solomon proposes to divide the child in two, prompting the true mother to relinquish her claim to save the child's life. Through this test, Solomon discerns the real mother and restores the child to her. The story has become an enduring symbol of judicial wisdom and insight, making it a fitting subject for Israel’s Biblical Art series, which seeks to reflect the nation's historical and religious roots through coinage.
The reverse of the coin features a dramatic artistic interpretation of the moment of Solomon’s judgment. At the center is the image of King Solomon seated in regal posture, commanding authority and calm, with a sword held by a standing figure symbolizing the executioner. The two women stand on either side, depicted in expressive poses that suggest desperation and conflict. The infant, the subject of the dispute, is rendered at Solomon’s feet, emphasizing the gravity and emotional weight of the moment. This highly stylized depiction evokes themes of mercy, truth, and wisdom, all rendered with striking detail and sensitivity. The Hebrew inscription "משפט שלמה" ("Solomon's Judgment") appears above the central motif, and the English translation is inscribed along the bottom rim.
The obverse of the coin bears the national emblem of the State of Israel—the menorah flanked by olive branches—and includes inscriptions in Hebrew, Arabic, and English. The Hebrew legend reads “ישראל” (Israel), and the English and Arabic inscriptions of the country’s name appear alongside the emblem. Below this is the face value "2 New Sheqalim" as well as the date "1995 / תשנ"ה." The proof finish creates a beautiful contrast between frosted relief elements and deeply mirrored fields, giving the coin a striking and elegant appearance. This side of the coin remains consistent with the design standards of Israel’s modern commemorative series, linking it clearly to the official numismatic output of the state.
Struck in .925 fine silver, the coin contains 28.8 grams of sterling silver and has a diameter of 38.7 millimeters, aligning with international proof coin dimensions. The use of sterling silver gives the coin both a brilliant luster and substantial heft in the hand. Each coin was produced using high-quality proof striking techniques, with specially polished dies and planchets to ensure sharp detail and exceptional finish. These technical attributes make the coin particularly desirable for collectors who value both the aesthetic and material qualities of their holdings.
The mintage for the 1995 2 New Sheqalim “Solomon’s Judgment” coin was strictly limited, with a total of 29,964 pieces issued worldwide. The coins were originally offered in protective capsules and housed in a velvet-lined presentation case, accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity. The limited mintage and high demand for the Biblical Art series have helped maintain the coin's value and desirability on the secondary market. Collectors who pursue the full Biblical Art series consider this 1995 release an essential early installment in what has become one of Israel’s most successful numismatic programs.
The condition of this coin, as designated Proof (PF), implies a coin struck with special dies under high pressure to achieve a flawless finish. In PF condition, coins show full mirror fields with no signs of wear, and the devices appear sharply struck with frosted contrast. Many examples of this coin have been submitted to third-party grading services such as NGC or PCGS, and high-grade certified examples (PF69 or PF70) often command premiums. However, even uncertified examples in original government packaging retain significant collector appeal, especially when accompanied by their COA and case in pristine condition.
The significance of the “Solomon’s Judgment” coin extends beyond its metal content or artistic design; it reflects the spiritual and cultural ethos of the modern State of Israel. By choosing to commemorate moments from the Bible, the IGCMC not only creates works of numismatic beauty but also preserves the nation’s spiritual heritage in a tangible, lasting form. This 1995 issue represents the third release in the Biblical Art series, following earlier issues honoring Adam and Eve (1993) and Noah’s Ark (1994). With each new release, the series has grown in prestige and remains one of the most collected series of modern Israeli coinage.
Collectors of world coins, Judaica, or religious-themed numismatics often seek out the 1995 Solomon’s Judgment issue due to its artistic interpretation of one of the Bible’s most famous stories. The emotional power of the scene, coupled with the rich historical associations, makes it resonate with a wide range of audiences. Its appeal is enhanced by its relatively low mintage, sterling silver content, and consistently high-quality presentation. For many, this coin is not merely a collectible but also a symbol of moral clarity and the enduring relevance of ancient wisdom in the modern age.
The Israel 2 New Sheqalim 1995 KM#282 Solomon’s Judgment silver proof coin exemplifies the harmony of art, faith, and numismatics. With its masterful design, precise striking, and deep cultural resonance, it stands as a highlight of the Biblical Art series and a treasured artifact for collectors around the world. As time passes, its scarcity, beauty, and historical depth ensure it remains a compelling acquisition for anyone drawn to the sacred stories that continue to shape the moral foundations of civilization.