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The Israel 2 New Sheqalim 1996 KM#295 Proof silver coin, titled “Miriam and the Women,” is a powerful numismatic tribute to one of the most iconic moments of female leadership in biblical history. Minted in .925 fine silver by the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation, this proof coin honors the legendary biblical scene from the Book of Exodus where Miriam, sister of Moses and Aaron, leads the women of Israel in joyous song and dance following the parting of the Red Sea. This evocative moment of celebration and divine deliverance is captured with both reverence and artistry in a coin that remains a cornerstone in Judaica-themed numismatics.
The subject matter of the coin draws directly from Exodus 15:20-21, where Miriam the prophetess takes a tambourine in hand and leads the Israelite women in song and dance after the miraculous escape from Egypt. This coin stands as part of Israel’s long-running series of commemorative issues that explore Jewish history, biblical stories, and cultural milestones. “Miriam and the Women” shines a spotlight on the role of women in spiritual and national liberation, making it an important and progressive addition to the series.
The obverse of the coin features a dynamic and dramatic image of Miriam dancing with a tambourine, surrounded by other women in celebratory motion. The flowing robes and sweeping lines convey movement and joy, as if the moment of musical exultation is frozen in silver. The design captures the emotion of triumph and divine grace, with Miriam at the center—elevated both literally and symbolically. This depiction not only serves as an homage to biblical narrative but also elevates the role of women in faith, community, and national memory.
Surrounding the main design on the obverse are inscriptions in Hebrew and English: “Miriam and the Women,” as well as the denomination of 2 New Sheqalim. The artistry strikes a balance between classic symbolism and modern aesthetics, with clean engraving and well-executed relief that benefits from the mirror-like fields of the proof finish. The reflective surfaces and frosted details highlight the intricacies of the dancers’ garments and the expressive energy of the scene, making it an exceptional example of thematic storytelling in coinage.
The reverse side of the coin features the official emblem of the State of Israel—a menorah flanked by olive branches—alongside the inscriptions “Israel” in Hebrew, Arabic, and English. Below the emblem are the dual date inscriptions: the Hebrew year 5756 and the Gregorian year 1996. The proof mintmark is also present, identifying the coin as a product of the Israel Government Mint. The reverse is more restrained in design, which allows the viewer to appreciate the formal elegance and national symbolism represented in the Israeli emblem.
This coin was struck to the highest Proof standards, utilizing specially polished blanks and dies to produce a deep, mirror-like field with frosted raised designs. Measuring approximately 38.7 mm in diameter and weighing 28.8 grams, it aligns with the typical specifications for Israel’s commemorative 2 Sheqalim silver issues. Each coin was issued in a handsome presentation case, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Collectors value not only the coin’s visual appeal but also the completeness of original packaging when evaluating the piece’s numismatic value.
The total mintage of the 1996 “Miriam and the Women” silver coin was limited, consistent with Israel’s philosophy of producing low-quantity, high-quality issues aimed at collectors. While precise mintage numbers vary across different sources, it is understood that only a few thousand examples were produced, adding an element of scarcity to the coin’s appeal. Its thematic resonance—focusing on female leadership and biblical redemption—has given it enduring popularity among collectors of Judaica, religious coinage, and feminist iconography.
The coin’s celebration of Miriam is especially noteworthy in that it breaks from traditional patriarchal narratives by spotlighting a female prophet and her pivotal role in the national story of Israel. By honoring her through this coin, Israel's mint conveys a deeper cultural message about the importance of women in both historical and spiritual contexts. The joyful nature of the tambourine dance, so powerfully rendered, also evokes celebration, resilience, and collective identity—values that resonate across generations and cultural boundaries.
For numismatists, the 1996 Miriam and the Women coin offers a rich tapestry of collectible value: the artistic execution is elegant, the symbolism profound, and the historical relevance deeply rooted. Its place within Israel’s commemorative coin program further adds to its desirability, especially among those seeking to build complete thematic collections. The coin represents a moment of both spiritual liberation and national triumph, told through the lens of female empowerment—a theme rarely emphasized in coinage until recent decades.
Certified examples of the coin occasionally surface on the market, with Proof 69 and Proof 70 grades from major certification services such as NGC. These high-grade coins command a premium due to their pristine condition, while raw examples remain popular for collectors focused on affordability and completeness of packaging. Coins that retain their original box and certificate of authenticity are particularly sought after, as they reflect the full vision of the issuing authority and appeal to collectors valuing completeness and historical documentation.
The Israel 2 New Sheqalim 1996 KM#295 Proof silver coin, “Miriam and the Women,” is far more than just a commemorative issue—it is a statement of cultural pride, artistic excellence, and theological reflection. It encapsulates a formative moment in the biblical exodus story while boldly emphasizing the role of women in that divine drama. For collectors, this coin offers not only a unique visual aesthetic and limited availability but also a deeply meaningful narrative—a story of faith, music, and freedom, immortalized in precious metal.