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The Israel 250 pruta coin of 1949, cataloged as KM#15, is one of the earliest circulating coins of the modern State of Israel, struck in the first year after the nation's independence in 1948. This particular piece, bearing the “no pearl” variety and graded UNC (Uncirculated), represents a pivotal moment in Israeli numismatics. It not only commemorates the establishment of a new state but also reflects the cultural and historical symbolism deeply rooted in Jewish identity and nationhood. The coin was issued during a transitional monetary period as Israel began to replace the British Mandate Palestine currency with its own sovereign coinage. The 250 pruta denomination was relatively high for the time and was short-lived, later replaced when Israel transitioned to the Israeli lira (pound) system in 1960.
The obverse of the 250 pruta coin features a central design of a large, stylized seven-branched menorah—a key national symbol of Israel. The menorah is flanked on either side by olive branches, signifying peace and continuity, and its base is anchored in a solid platform, lending it a sense of permanence. Above the menorah is the word “ישראל” (Israel) in Hebrew script. The image is both modern and classical, evoking the ancient menorahs described in biblical texts while rendered with clean, contemporary lines suited for a young state projecting a progressive national identity. The “no pearl” variety of this coin lacks the tiny raised dot—or “pearl”—beneath the left branch of the menorah that is present in a more common variation, making it a sought-after subtype among collectors.
The reverse of the coin displays the denomination “250 פרוטה” (250 Pruta) prominently in the center, surrounded by stylized olive branches that echo the motif of the obverse. The date “תש"ט” (5709 in the Hebrew calendar, corresponding to 1949 CE) appears at the bottom. The date marks the coin’s minting in Israel's first full year of independence, a time when the country was still forming its institutions and integrating waves of immigrants from across the Jewish diaspora. The overall design is symmetrical and minimalist, with an emphasis on symbolic unity and the rebirth of Jewish sovereignty after centuries of diaspora.
This coin was minted in aluminum-bronze, an alloy selected for its relative affordability, light weight, and golden hue. The metal composition—92% copper, 6% aluminum, and 2% nickel—gives the coin a bright appearance when new, with a diameter of 32 millimeters and a plain edge. In uncirculated (UNC) condition, as in this example, the coin retains its full mint luster, sharp detail, and golden sheen, with no signs of wear or handling. All design elements are crisp, from the texture of the olive leaves to the clean definition of the Hebrew lettering. The fields (flat areas) of the coin are smooth and free from significant marks, indicating it was preserved carefully and never entered circulation.
The 1949 250 pruta coin was minted at the Kretschmer & Tönnies mint in Hamburg, West Germany, under contract with the Israeli government, as Israel at the time lacked domestic minting capabilities. The coins were struck using dies prepared by designer Rothschild and sculptor Rothschild-Cohen, who were responsible for some of the earliest modern Israeli coin designs. Production was relatively limited, and the issue was discontinued after just a few years as Israel adopted a new currency system. Total mintage for the 250 pruta denomination was around 3 million pieces, but the “no pearl” variety represents a subset within that total, and it is not entirely clear how many were produced before the die was modified to include the pearl detail.
The introduction of pruta coinage was an effort to break away from British Mandate influences and establish a Hebrew-based monetary system. The name “pruta” itself is derived from a Talmudic term for a small coin and replaced the mil (a subdivision of the Palestine pound). In the years following Israel’s independence, the pruta denominations allowed for transactions in small amounts before inflation and currency reforms eventually rendered them obsolete. The 250 pruta coin, due to its high denomination within the pruta system, was one of the least-used denominations in commerce, leading to relatively fewer examples entering circulation compared to smaller values such as the 10 or 50 pruta coins.
As a numismatic piece, the UNC 1949 Israel 250 pruta “no pearl” variety is highly prized for both historical and collectible value. Coins in uncirculated condition are particularly desirable due to the fragile nature of the aluminum-bronze alloy, which tends to wear down quickly under circulation. This example, preserved in UNC grade, exhibits none of the dulling, rim nicks, or contact marks that often afflict circulated specimens. Its smooth fields and full strike offer collectors a pristine look at the artistry and symbolism of early Israeli coinage. Additionally, the absence of the pearl detail adds a layer of rarity and has led to heightened demand among variety specialists and Judaica collectors alike.
The “no pearl” variety was not a deliberate minting variation but rather the result of a design modification during early production. This gives the variety a status similar to that of an unintentional type error or early strike variant, making it a subject of study for die-state collectors. PCGS and other grading services recognize the distinction, and properly attributed examples command a noticeable premium over the standard version. Combined with its historical significance, this variety has grown in popularity as collectors seek to build complete type sets of early Israeli coinage or acquire examples representing symbolic milestones of Jewish statehood.
In conclusion, the Israel 250 pruta 1949 KM#15 “no pearl” coin in UNC condition is an outstanding artifact from the first year of Israeli coinage. It embodies the new nation’s aspirations and identity through its symbolic design, reflects the transition away from colonial monetary systems, and stands as a tangible connection to a formative period in modern Middle Eastern history. The coin’s high state of preservation, historical importance, and relative rarity due to the variety distinction make it a prized addition to any serious collection of Israeli, Judaica, or 20th-century world coins. As both a numismatic and national symbol, this coin continues to resonate with collectors around the globe.