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The Israel 2 New Sheqalim 1996 KM#292 Proof silver coin, titled “Nightingale and Fig Trees,” is a stunning tribute to the poetry and cultural spirit of the Hebrew language and Israeli heritage. This collector coin was minted in .925 fine silver to exceptional Proof standards by the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation, and it forms part of a broader series dedicated to national symbols, biblical themes, and elements of Israel’s rich natural landscape. As with other entries in this series, the 1996 coin seamlessly combines artistry, symbolism, and historic depth into a finely crafted numismatic piece of enduring appeal.
The theme of this issue, the “Nightingale and Fig Trees,” evokes images deeply rooted in both biblical and Israeli tradition. The nightingale, often symbolic of poetry, voice, and lyrical song, appears in many works of Hebrew literature and is associated with natural harmony and expression. The fig tree, one of the Seven Species native to the Land of Israel mentioned in the Bible, carries profound spiritual and agricultural importance. Fig trees symbolize peace, prosperity, and rootedness in the land—imagery often evoked in Zionist and Israeli poetry. Together, the nightingale and fig trees represent a harmony between nature and culture, between the lyrical and the tangible, and between ancient legacy and modern national identity.
The obverse design of the 1996 2 Sheqalim coin features a beautifully rendered image of a fig tree branch bearing its iconic lobed leaves and ripe fruit, with a nightingale perched delicately among them. The bird appears to be mid-song, with an upward gaze and open beak, symbolizing expressive freedom and the melodic voice of the Hebrew soul. The stylization is elegant, balancing realistic detail with artistic abstraction, creating a timeless and evocative composition. The Hebrew word for “Nightingale,” “שָׁלוֹנִית” (Shalonit), is inscribed nearby, along with the English and Arabic translations. The surrounding mirrored field further enhances the coin’s proof aesthetic, bringing brilliance and depth to the detailed relief.
On the reverse, the coin features the official emblem of the State of Israel: a central menorah flanked by olive branches, with “Israel” inscribed in Hebrew, Arabic, and English. Beneath the national emblem is the denomination “2 New Sheqalim,” again presented in all three official languages. The year “1996 / 5756” is also struck on this side, denoting both the Gregorian and Hebrew calendar years. A small mint mark appears, representing the origin of manufacture at the official Mint of the State of Israel. The reverse’s clean and formal layout stands in aesthetic contrast to the richly symbolic and lyrical obverse, creating a balanced visual narrative.
This coin was struck to Proof standards using polished planchets and specially prepared dies that yield deep mirrored fields and frosted designs. The coin’s diameter measures approximately 38.7 mm, and it weighs 28.8 grams, aligning with other silver issues in Israel’s commemorative program. The high-quality finish ensures excellent visual clarity of even the most intricate design details. Each coin was issued with a certificate of authenticity and originally housed in a protective display case, ideal for preservation and presentation.
The mintage of the 1996 Nightingale and Fig Trees silver coin was intentionally limited, in keeping with the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation’s approach to collector coins of cultural and religious significance. The total mintage likely did not exceed a few thousand pieces, which helps ensure long-term value retention and scarcity. The combination of a poetic subject, meaningful national symbolism, and fine craftsmanship contributes to this coin’s appeal for collectors interested in Judaica, Israeli history, and biblical or natural themes.
The Nightingale and Fig Trees theme also reflects a broader cultural movement in Israel during the 1990s that emphasized connection to the land, revival of ancient imagery, and the significance of nature in Hebrew thought. In literature and music, the fig tree is often cited as a place of repose and wisdom, while the nightingale’s song stands for freedom of spirit. This coin pays quiet homage to those values, offering a snapshot of how art and numismatics can reinforce identity and heritage in subtle, enduring ways.
The coin’s enduring popularity stems not only from its low mintage and visual beauty but also from the thematic resonance it holds for collectors. The symbolism of peace and prosperity, found in the fig tree, is particularly compelling to those who value spiritual and cultural connections to the land of Israel. The inclusion of the nightingale introduces an emotional and musical element that appeals to a different dimension of the human experience—one of inspiration, expression, and art. Together, these elements ensure that the coin stands out in the realm of modern commemorative issues.
Coins like the Israel 1996 Nightingale and Fig Trees silver Proof serve an important educational function as well. They encourage the exploration of biblical flora, Hebrew poetic motifs, and natural symbolism within Jewish and Israeli cultural traditions. They also reflect how Israel chooses to represent itself on the international numismatic stage—not through military victories or political icons, but through symbols of nature, beauty, and peace. As such, this coin becomes more than a piece of silver; it is a medium of soft cultural expression and pride.
Collectors interested in graded examples will occasionally find this coin encapsulated and certified by professional grading services such as NGC or PCGS. Proof 69 and Proof 70 examples exist, and their appearance on the secondary market is relatively infrequent due to the coin’s modest original distribution. Uncertified examples still carry significant appeal, especially when complete with original packaging and documentation. Whether kept as part of a Judaica-themed collection or as a stand-alone tribute to Israel’s symbolic artistry, the coin is admired for its aesthetic, conceptual, and historical richness.
The 1996 Israel 2 New Sheqalim Proof Silver Coin, KM#292, Nightingale and Fig Trees, remains a timeless artifact of national pride, lyrical beauty, and natural symbolism. By merging powerful themes with meticulous execution, the Israel Mint created a piece that transcends time, evoking emotion and reflection in every gaze. For collectors, historians, and lovers of poetry alike, this coin offers a graceful reminder of Israel’s deep-rooted cultural identity and the harmony between human expression and the land from which it grows.