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The Israel 25 Lirot 1974 KM#79.1 silver coin featuring David Ben-Gurion stands as both a tribute to the founding father of modern Israel and a key piece in the nation’s commemorative coin series. Struck by the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation (IGCMC), this coin was issued to honor Ben-Gurion shortly after his passing in 1973. The coin embodies both the historical weight of Israel’s early statehood and the numismatic appeal of a limited-issue, high-grade silver coin. Issued in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition, this coin offers collectors a crisp, well-struck example with strong luster and full design details, reflecting both technical excellence and deep cultural reverence.
David Ben-Gurion was the primary national founder of the State of Israel and its first Prime Minister. Born in 1886 in Plonsk, Poland, he immigrated to Ottoman Palestine in 1906 and became a key leader in the Zionist movement. His role in the 1948 Declaration of Independence and leadership during Israel’s formative years cemented his legacy as a statesman and visionary. The 1974 25 Lirot coin commemorates this legacy in tangible form, presenting an official state-sanctioned memorial struck in precious metal. As a transitional denomination—the lirot was replaced by the shekel in 1980—this issue also marks an important monetary period in Israeli history.
The obverse of the 1974 25 Lirot coin features a solemn and striking portrait of David Ben-Gurion facing left, based on well-known photographs of his later years. His distinctive features, including his prominent forehead and expressive gaze, are rendered in sharp relief. To the right of his profile appears his name in Hebrew, “דָּוִד בֶּן-גּוּרִיּוֹן,” arcing gently along the rim. The design emphasizes respect and simplicity, avoiding ornate embellishments in favor of a clean, direct representation fitting the pragmatic nature of the man it commemorates. The matte and polished surfaces contrast subtly in BU condition, highlighting the artistry of the engraving.
The reverse of the coin displays the denomination “25 לירות” in bold Hebrew characters across the center, with the date “1974” in both Hebrew and Gregorian formats appearing above and below the denomination. Near the rim at the bottom is the official State Emblem of Israel—a menorah flanked by olive branches with “ישראל” (Israel) inscribed beneath. The overall layout is balanced and functional, typical of Israeli coinage of the 1970s. The reverse design complements the obverse by anchoring the historical theme with official state symbolism, while also clearly indicating the coin’s role as legal tender at the time of issue.
The 25 Lirot Ben-Gurion commemorative was struck in .900 fine silver, weighing 28.8 grams with a diameter of 38.5 mm. These specifications place it on par with classic crown-sized silver coins, giving it a substantial feel in hand and a wide surface area to display intricate design work. The coin has a reeded edge, and in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, the surfaces are full of original mint luster with minimal contact marks. As a BU specimen, this coin has not been circulated and retains the as-struck brilliance, making it ideal for both collectors of Israeli coins and those interested in modern commemorative silver issues more broadly.
According to mint records, the total mintage for the 1974 25 Lirot Ben-Gurion BU issue (KM#79.1) was limited to just 42,088 pieces. This relatively low mintage enhances its appeal among collectors, particularly those assembling a complete set of Israel’s early commemorative silver coins. It was issued alongside a proof version (KM#79), which had a smaller mintage and mirror-like fields, but the BU version remains popular for its clean presentation and affordability. The coin was sold both as a single issue and in presentation cases or sets, often with bilingual certificates of authenticity from the IGCMC.
The BU condition of this coin ensures that the portrait and lettering remain sharply defined, with the matte finish showing little to no disturbance. On well-preserved examples, Ben-Gurion’s facial features and hair texture are rendered with near-sculptural depth, while the mirrored fields around the state emblem and denomination exhibit light cartwheel luster. Collectors value BU coins that are free from spotting, discoloration, or heavy contact marks. Though not as rare as the proof version, the BU 25 Lirot has earned a steady following among numismatists interested in the development of Israel’s national identity through coinage.
From a historical standpoint, this coin holds importance not just for whom it depicts but also for when it was issued. David Ben-Gurion passed away on December 1, 1973, just weeks after the traumatic Yom Kippur War. His death marked the end of an era for Israel, as the country faced significant introspection and political shifts. Issuing this coin in 1974 served as a timely and unifying act of remembrance, offering the public and the international Jewish diaspora a way to honor one of the 20th century’s most influential Jewish leaders. It is not merely a coin, but a small monument to the ideals and sacrifices of a man who helped shape a modern nation.
The numismatic value of the 1974 25 Lirot Ben-Gurion coin in BU condition varies based on silver market fluctuations, collector demand, and surface preservation. As of recent trends, uncirculated specimens typically range between $35 and $50, depending on eye appeal and packaging. Higher premiums are sometimes paid for coins still housed in their original mint presentation folders or boxes, particularly when accompanied by certificates. The coin is often collected alongside other commemorative issues honoring figures like Chaim Weizmann, Golda Meir, and Menachem Begin, forming a portrait gallery of Israeli leadership through silver.
The KM#79.1 designation by Krause-Mishler catalog distinguishes the BU variety from its proof counterpart. Many international collectors rely on this reference system to track mintage data, specifications, and design variants. As such, the coin is part of a recognized global database and enjoys cross-market appeal beyond Israel’s borders. In the context of global numismatics, it aligns with the 1970s trend of issuing silver crown-sized coins to honor political leaders, similar to contemporaneous issues by countries like the UK, Canada, and India. Yet the Ben-Gurion 25 Lirot maintains a unique aesthetic and national character that clearly identifies its Israeli origin.
In summary, the 1974 Israel 25 Lirot KM#79.1 Ben-Gurion silver coin in BU condition is a deeply meaningful and well-crafted commemorative issue. With its sharp, dignified portrait, high silver content, and limited mintage, it represents a perfect blend of historical tribute and numismatic excellence. Whether acquired for its silver value, design appeal, or cultural importance, this coin remains a treasured piece for collectors of Israeli coinage and admirers of modern Jewish history.