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The Israel 250 Pruta coin dated 1949, bearing the Hebrew mintmark “H” and cataloged as KM#15a, holds a special place in the numismatic and historical record of modern Israel. It was issued in the nation’s first year of existence following the declaration of independence on May 14, 1948. This coin represents the highest denomination of the initial series of coins issued by the newly formed state and is one of the few silver coins ever minted by Israel for circulation. Struck in .720 fine silver and preserved here in About Uncirculated (AU) condition, it reflects both the birth of a new nation and the aspirations of a sovereign Jewish state reconnecting with its ancient past.
The State of Israel, founded after decades of Zionist movement efforts and following the horrors of the Holocaust, urgently required a functional currency system to support its economy and facilitate trade. In 1948, Israel began transitioning away from the Palestine pound and mil system previously administered under the British Mandate. The new system introduced the Israeli pound (lira), subdivided into 1,000 prutot. The 250 pruta denomination was the largest issued in 1949 and signaled the establishment of a national identity through economic autonomy. The coins bore the name “Israel” in Hebrew (ישראל) and served as symbols of national pride during a formative time in the country's history.
The design of the 250 Pruta coin is emblematic of Israel's cultural and religious heritage. The obverse features a stylized chalice or goblet, which many scholars and numismatists interpret as a reference to ancient Jewish coinage from the Hasmonean period, specifically the coins of Mattathias Antigonus, the last Hasmonean king. The chalice, placed at the center of the design, symbolizes ritual purity and religious tradition, particularly in its associations with Temple worship. Above the chalice, the Hebrew inscription “ישראל” ("Israel") is prominently displayed, conveying the nation’s name with deliberate simplicity and dignity. The minimalistic design reflects both modernist artistic trends and a connection to ancient Jewish aesthetics.
The reverse of the coin features the denomination “250” in large Arabic numerals centered above the word “Pruta” in Hebrew and English. This clear, bilingual format was intended to communicate effectively across Israel's linguistically diverse population. The perimeter is adorned with a symmetrical, decorative olive branch motif, which is both a biblical symbol and a modern emblem of peace. The coin’s elegant balance between ancient symbolism and modern utility reflects the ideological underpinnings of Israel’s founding generation: rooted in tradition, but focused on progress and renewal.
The coin was struck in 1949 at the government's order by the Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) mint in Birmingham, England, as Israel had not yet established a domestic minting facility. The “H” mintmark, appearing as a tiny character on the reverse side of the coin, indicates this overseas origin. The composition is 72% silver and 28% copper, with a diameter of 30 millimeters and a weight of 10 grams. It is one of the very few silver coins ever minted for circulation by Israel, and its issuance was short-lived due to rising silver prices and inflationary pressures. This coinage was soon replaced by lower-denomination and base-metal issues in subsequent years.
The 250 Pruta had an official mintage of 1,000,000 pieces. However, only a fraction of these were retained in high grades. As silver coins in circulation tended to wear quickly, especially when mixed with bronze and aluminum coinage, most surviving examples show moderate to heavy wear. The AU (About Uncirculated) designation reflects a coin that circulated briefly or was handled with care. In this grade, the chalice design remains sharp and detailed, with only the slightest signs of wear on the high points. The fields retain significant luster, particularly in protected areas around the inscriptions and edge, and the rim is typically intact with only minimal contact marks.
The historical context of the 250 Pruta coin's release adds to its importance. 1949 was a critical year in Israel's early history. The country had just concluded the War of Independence, and its fledgling institutions—government, military, and economy—were being rapidly developed. The coinage issued at this time was not merely utilitarian but also a nationalistic gesture: the first coins of a reconstituted Jewish state, struck in silver, bearing ancient imagery, and declaring sovereignty through Hebrew script. This symbolic value makes the coin particularly significant among Judaica collectors and those interested in the modern state’s formation.
Collectors value the 250 Pruta not only for its historic and symbolic qualities but also for its aesthetic appeal and relative scarcity in higher grades. AU examples are especially attractive as they preserve most of the coin's original detail and luster without the premium associated with fully uncirculated specimens. The surfaces on an AU coin often show soft cartwheel luster and rich natural toning, with minimal flatness on high points such as the chalice rim and olive branches. These features make it an ideal piece for display or inclusion in a type set of Israeli coinage.
Over time, the 250 Pruta coin has become a cornerstone in Israeli numismatics. It stands alongside other early issues such as the 100 and 50 Pruta coins of the same year, forming a trio of high-denomination silver coins that are now cherished relics of Israel’s earliest economic experiments. As the only 250 Pruta coin ever issued for general circulation, it remains unique within the nation’s monetary history. Later currency reforms would eliminate the pruta entirely, transitioning to the agora system by the 1960s, further emphasizing the historical singularity of this denomination.
The Israel 250 Pruta 1949H KM#15a in AU condition is a remarkable fusion of numismatic craftsmanship, national symbolism, and historical gravitas. It bridges the gap between ancient Jewish heritage and the modern reestablishment of the Jewish homeland. Whether viewed as a collector’s item, a historical artifact, or a cultural emblem, it carries a powerful narrative of resilience, sovereignty, and renewal. As such, it continues to captivate collectors and historians alike, standing as a proud testament to Israel’s beginnings and its enduring legacy in the world of coinage.