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The Israel 25 Lirot 1976 KM#85 Proof coin, titled “Strength to Israel,” is a compelling numismatic tribute that intertwines Jewish resilience, national pride, and symbolic artistry. Struck by the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation, this silver commemorative was issued in celebration of Israel’s strength and enduring spirit in the face of adversity. It stands as a powerful artistic statement and an important addition to the country's extensive commemorative coin program, which began in the early years of the State of Israel and continued through the 20th century as a means to celebrate historical milestones, religious heritage, and national achievements.
This coin was released in 1976, a time when Israel was reflecting on its struggles and triumphs, particularly in the wake of military conflicts such as the Yom Kippur War of 1973. The theme of “Strength to Israel” was intended not only to invoke support for the Israeli state but also to honor the resilience and unity of the Jewish people. It resonates deeply with Zionist values, emphasizing courage, survival, and national dignity. The coin fits within a broader ideological framework that marked many of Israel's commemorative issues of the 1970s, designed to galvanize both domestic and diaspora support through symbolic expression.
The obverse of the coin presents a striking and dynamic design that powerfully conveys the concept of national strength. At its center is a stylized, muscular forearm gripping a sword, which transforms into an olive branch near the blade. This imagery masterfully combines two dual concepts: the necessity of military strength and the enduring desire for peace. The arm and sword motif has long been associated with defense and vigilance, while the olive branch, of course, is the international symbol of peace. Encircling this central image is the phrase “Strength to Israel” in both Hebrew (“OZ LEYISRAEL”) and English, reinforcing the universal accessibility and bilingual messaging of the coin. The overall composition is bold and symbolic, communicating a message of power tempered by purpose.
The reverse of the coin carries more conventional design elements, including the denomination “25 Lirot” presented in Hebrew, Arabic, and English. The date of issue, “1976,” and the Hebrew calendar equivalent “5736” are displayed along with the official emblem of the State of Israel—consisting of a menorah flanked by olive branches and the word “Israel” in Hebrew. This side of the coin is designed with restraint and balance, serving as a formal affirmation of the coin’s legal tender status and national origin. The tri-lingual inscriptions are a common feature in Israeli coinage, underscoring Israel’s acknowledgment of its diverse cultural and linguistic heritage.
Struck by the Israel Government Mint in Jerusalem, the coin was produced in Proof condition, signifying its high-quality finish and intended use as a collectible or ceremonial piece rather than a circulation coin. Proof coins are struck with specially polished dies and planchets, often receiving multiple strikes to ensure crisp details and deeply mirrored fields. The result is a coin of exceptional aesthetic quality, with frosted design devices sharply contrasted against reflective, mirror-like backgrounds. The "Strength to Israel" coin exemplifies this standard, with the muscular arm and olive branch rendered in dramatic detail and clarity.
The coin was minted in .900 fine silver, sometimes referred to as “coin silver,” which was the standard for Israeli commemorative coins of the era. It weighs 28.8 grams and has a diameter of 38.5 millimeters, making it slightly larger and heavier than Israel’s 10 or 25 Lirot silver coins from earlier issues. The silver content amounts to approximately 0.8334 troy ounces, giving the coin substantial intrinsic value in addition to its collectible appeal. Its smooth edge and wide surface allow for a large canvas, which the designers used effectively to convey the strong, symbolic message of the issue.
The mintage of the 1976 25 Lirot “Strength to Israel” coin in Proof condition was limited to 43,051 pieces. While not an extremely low mintage by global standards, this number reflects the coin’s specific appeal to collectors of Judaica, Israeli numismatics, and those interested in modern silver issues with strong political or symbolic themes. The relatively modest mintage ensures that high-quality examples remain accessible while still retaining enough scarcity to appeal to serious collectors. Many of these coins were sold through international distributors to Jewish communities abroad and to supporters of Israel who purchased them for commemorative or patriotic purposes.
Examples of this coin in Proof condition often remain well-preserved due to their distribution in protective mint-issued cases or capsules. Coins that have been kept in their original presentation packaging retain the full brilliance of their mirror fields and the frosted texture of the devices. High-grade examples certified by third-party grading services such as PCGS or NGC typically achieve PF67 to PF69 grades, with PF70 examples being rarer but occasionally encountered. Because of the coin’s bold and symbolic design, visual quality plays an essential role in its appeal, and well-struck specimens with clean surfaces and strong contrast are especially desirable.
The symbolism inherent in the “Strength to Israel” coin is deeply evocative, resonating with both historical and contemporary narratives. The merging of the sword and olive branch is a particularly powerful motif, reflecting the national ethos of readiness for defense paired with an enduring commitment to peace. The coin’s issuance shortly after the Yom Kippur War and during a time of international tension underscores its political and emotional relevance. It functions not only as a numismatic item but also as a piece of ideological art, a token of resilience and hope minted in silver.
The 1976 Israel 25 Lirot KM#85 “Strength to Israel” Proof silver coin remains a staple for collectors interested in Israel’s modern coinage, especially those focusing on coins with overt national and religious symbolism. Its compelling design, historical context, and high-quality production elevate it beyond the realm of a typical commemorative issue. Whether included in a collection of modern Judaica, 20th-century silver proofs, or thematic coins focused on peace and conflict, it continues to be a coin of lasting meaning and visual impact. As time passes, its symbolic resonance and physical beauty ensure its enduring place in the numismatic canon.