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The Israel 2 New Sheqalim 1997 KM#301 Proof silver coin was issued to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First Zionist Congress, a defining event that laid the foundation for the establishment of the modern State of Israel. This commemorative coin, struck in .925 fine silver by the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation, pays homage to a pivotal moment in Jewish history and to the visionaries, such as Theodor Herzl, who galvanized the Zionist movement. The coin serves as both a tribute to political determination and a celebration of cultural and historical identity.
The First Zionist Congress convened in Basel, Switzerland, in 1897, under the leadership of Theodor Herzl. It marked the first formal assembly of Jewish representatives from around the world with the goal of establishing a homeland for the Jewish people. The Congress formulated the Basel Program, which sought to establish "a publicly and legally assured home for the Jewish people in Palestine." Herzl’s role and the Congress itself became symbolic turning points in the reawakening of Jewish national consciousness and the organized pursuit of statehood, a dream that would ultimately be realized over fifty years later with the creation of Israel in 1948.
The obverse of the 1997 Zionist Congress commemorative coin features a stylized image of Theodor Herzl looking outward from a balcony, an artistic reference to the famous photograph of Herzl at the Hotel Les Trois Rois in Basel. This moment has come to epitomize Herzl’s visionary leadership and hope for the Jewish future. His pose, leaning on the balcony and gazing ahead, encapsulates foresight and dedication. Below the image, the inscription in Hebrew reads “100 Years to the First Zionist Congress,” along with the corresponding Gregorian year, “1997,” and the Hebrew calendar year “5757.”
Also included on the obverse is the small national emblem of Israel—a menorah flanked by olive branches—symbolizing peace and continuity, and the word “Israel” in Hebrew, English, and Arabic. These inscriptions reflect the inclusive and multicultural presentation typical of Israeli coinage, bridging Israel's cultural traditions and its modern, multilingual society. A Star of David and mintmark appear near the bottom edge, completing the visual elements with authenticity and symbolic resonance.
The reverse design portrays the official logo of the First Zionist Congress, featuring a menorah entwined with olive branches surrounded by Hebrew script and decorative scrollwork. The denomination, “2 New Sheqalim,” appears beneath the emblem in both Hebrew and English, along with the metal composition and weight indicators. This side of the coin emphasizes the political and ideological unity of the Congress while maintaining a traditional, almost heraldic composition that reflects the reverent tone of the commemoration.
This proof coin was struck to the highest standards of numismatic production, using specially prepared dies and planchets to produce frosted raised elements and deeply mirrored fields. The detailed rendering of Herzl’s likeness and the intricate reverse emblem are enhanced by this technique, which provides contrast, clarity, and depth. The quality of the strike ensures that even the smallest design features—such as the expression on Herzl’s face or the detail of the balcony railing—are crisp and discernible.
With a diameter of 38.7 millimeters and a weight of 28.8 grams, the coin conforms to the standard dimensions of Israel’s silver 2 Sheqalim proof issues. It was issued in a limited mintage, a typical strategy for Israel's commemorative proof series, adding to its appeal among collectors. While precise mintage numbers vary by source, the issue is known to be relatively low, typically in the range of 2,000 to 5,000 coins. Each coin was presented in a protective case accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation.
The limited mintage and significant historical subject matter make this coin especially desirable among collectors of Israeli and Jewish-themed numismatics. It is a popular acquisition for those seeking to honor Jewish heritage, commemorate the Zionist movement, or complete a full run of Israeli proof commemorative coins from the 1990s. When offered on the secondary market, the coin generally commands a premium, particularly when housed in its original case with documentation intact.
Coins in this series are often preserved in excellent condition due to their proof quality and protective packaging. When graded by professional services such as NGC or PCGS, they typically achieve high grades—PF69 or PF70—reflecting the sharpness of strike and clarity of surface. Collectors prize these higher grades for their flawless visual appeal, and the mirrored fields of the proof format further enhance the aesthetics of the deeply symbolic designs.
The coin’s subject matter also connects directly to a major ideological movement. Theodor Herzl’s leadership and the outcomes of the First Zionist Congress continue to resonate profoundly within Jewish communities worldwide. The congress represented the formal organization of modern Jewish nationalism and an international acknowledgment of the Jewish claim to self-determination. Capturing this powerful legacy in precious metal gives the coin weight not just in grams, but in meaning.
The Israel 2 New Sheqalim 1997 KM#301 Proof silver coin is far more than a finely minted collectible—it is a tangible emblem of history, leadership, and vision. Through the striking image of Herzl, the thoughtful inscriptions, and the precision of its proof finish, the coin invites collectors to reflect on the transformative power of ideas and the enduring legacy of those who dare to imagine a new reality. For anyone with a passion for modern history, Judaica, or finely crafted numismatics, this commemorative coin is an essential acquisition.