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- Product ID: 56544
The Israel 2 New Sheqalim 1996 KM#298 Proof silver coin is a solemn and dignified tribute to one of the most influential and courageous leaders in the history of the modern State of Israel—Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. Issued in the year following Rabin's tragic assassination in 1995, this commemorative coin was minted by the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation in .925 fine silver and stands as both a memorial and a message of enduring hope for peace. It captures a pivotal moment in Israeli and world history when a leader who devoted his life to the security and future of his nation was lost in the pursuit of reconciliation and peace.
The issuance of this coin in 1996 marked the first official commemorative minted to honor Yitzhak Rabin’s life and legacy. Rabin, who served two terms as Prime Minister and held various military and political positions, was most renowned for his leadership during the Oslo Peace Process, which earned him the Nobel Peace Prize alongside Shimon Peres and Yasser Arafat in 1994. His assassination on November 4, 1995, by a Jewish extremist shocked the world and catalyzed global reflection on peace, leadership, and democratic values. The coin was part of Israel’s commitment to commemorate his achievements and immortalize his contributions in a respectful, lasting form.
The obverse of the coin presents a powerful and detailed portrait of Yitzhak Rabin in high relief. Captured in a three-quarter view, Rabin’s face conveys his characteristic solemn determination, wisdom, and quiet authority. The engraving is rendered with exceptional attention to detail, from the texture of his hair to the expression in his eyes, reinforcing the gravity and depth of his character. The inscription in Hebrew reads "Yitzhak Rabin 1922–1995," with the years marking his birth and death, while the English version of his name is also included, creating a bilingual tribute suitable for both domestic and international audiences.
Behind Rabin’s image, the designer subtly integrated graphical elements suggesting themes of peace and national identity. This may include abstract motifs or shading that recalls the Israeli flag or national emblems, subtly reinforcing Rabin’s central role in Israel’s contemporary history. The design succeeds in commemorating Rabin with both reverence and artistry, without resorting to excessive symbolism, thereby letting his visage carry the emotional and historical weight of the coin’s purpose.
The reverse of the coin displays the official emblem of the State of Israel—the menorah flanked by olive branches—along with the trilingual inscription “Israel” in Hebrew, Arabic, and English. This multilingual approach reflects Rabin’s commitment to dialogue, inclusion, and the complex multicultural dimensions of Israeli society. The denomination “2 New Sheqalim” is also included, along with the date “1996” and the corresponding Hebrew year “5756.” A small Star of David and mintmark further authenticate the coin’s origin from the Israel Government Mint.
Produced in proof quality, the coin was struck using specially prepared dies and highly polished planchets, resulting in frosted devices and mirror-like fields. The sharp contrast between the matte finish of Rabin’s portrait and the reflective background emphasizes the coin’s high production standards and visual clarity. The proof format ensures that the finest design details—such as Rabin’s thoughtful expression and the clean lines of the national emblem—are preserved in pristine condition, making it a showpiece of numismatic memorial art.
The coin measures 38.7 millimeters in diameter and weighs 28.8 grams, conforming to the standard size and weight specifications used for Israel’s silver commemorative coins in the 2 Sheqalim series. Each coin was issued in an elegant presentation case, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, and was intended for both domestic collectors and international admirers of Rabin’s legacy. The packaging typically features the official insignia of the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation, and coins are often sought after in their complete, original format.
The mintage of the 1996 Yitzhak Rabin silver proof coin was intentionally limited to preserve the coin’s commemorative integrity and enhance its collector appeal. Though the precise mintage numbers may vary by source, it is known that only a few thousand pieces were struck, making it a relatively scarce issue. This scarcity, combined with the coin’s emotional and historical significance, ensures strong and enduring interest among collectors of Israeli numismatics, modern political memorabilia, and world leaders commemoratives.
The condition of this coin in the secondary market is often exceptional due to its proof nature and presentation case storage. Many examples are found in grades of Proof 69 or Proof 70 when certified by grading services such as NGC. Collectors value these high-grade pieces for their flawless surfaces and visual impact, especially when the coin remains paired with its original packaging and documentation. Coins that have been mishandled or improperly stored may show hairlines or slight clouding in the mirrored fields, though these are relatively uncommon due to the coin’s commemorative nature.
The coin stands not just as a numismatic artifact, but as a poignant piece of modern Israeli history—a moment captured in silver that honors the memory of a statesman who gave his life in the pursuit of peace. Rabin’s assassination was a national tragedy and a global moment of mourning, but this coin reminds collectors and citizens alike of the ideals he stood for: security, dialogue, dignity, and courage in the face of adversity. Its respectful design and superior craftsmanship underscore the value of memory, democracy, and leadership.
The Israel 2 New Sheqalim 1996 KM#298 Proof silver coin is a powerful tribute to a modern political icon. It reflects the nation’s deep respect for Yitzhak Rabin, serves as a tangible reminder of a pivotal period in Israeli history, and stands as an enduring call for peace and reconciliation. For those who admire Israeli numismatics, collect memorial issues, or seek coins with profound historical context, this piece remains an essential and moving addition to any serious collection.