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The Israel 5 Lirot 1959 silver commemorative coin, cataloged as KM#23 and issued with a Proof finish, marks a profoundly symbolic event in the early years of the State of Israel: the “Gathering of the Exiles.” This coin was struck to celebrate the influx of Jewish immigrants from around the world to the newly established nation—a central theme in Zionist ideology and a cornerstone of Israel’s founding mission. Minted just over a decade after the state declared independence in 1948, the coin reflects Israel’s aspirations for unity, national revival, and the fulfillment of biblical prophecy. As a Proof coin, it features exceptionally sharp details, mirrorlike fields, and frosted devices, appealing to both collectors and those drawn to the historical and spiritual resonance of the theme.
The obverse of the 5 Lirot 1959 coin features the national emblem of Israel—a stylized menorah flanked by olive branches, symbolizing both Jewish identity and the pursuit of peace. The menorah has been a longstanding symbol of the Jewish people, appearing on ancient coins and texts, while the olive branches reflect aspirations for harmony in a turbulent region. Above the menorah is the word “ישראל” (Israel) in Hebrew. The legend is cleanly presented in bold lettering, and the emblem is struck with high relief, creating a visual contrast against the deeply mirrored background typical of a Proof coin. The contrast between the polished fields and the frosted design creates a striking aesthetic, especially well-preserved in this proof example.
The reverse presents the coin’s central artistic composition: a powerful allegorical scene depicting a family of immigrants arriving in Israel. The figures are stylized in a modernist manner, with an air of solemnity and determination. A man, woman, and child are shown walking forward, carrying their few possessions, emblematic of the Jewish diaspora returning to their ancestral homeland. Above this moving tableau is the Hebrew inscription “קיבוץ גלויות” (Kibbutz Galuyot), meaning “Gathering of the Exiles,” along with the English and French translations curving along the top rim. Beneath the figures appears the denomination “5 לירות ישראליות” (5 Israeli Lirot), with “1959” in both Gregorian and Hebrew calendar format (תשי"ט). The artistic rendering reflects both modernist artistic influences and the emotional weight of the theme.
The coin was struck at the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation, the official minting body established to produce circulating and commemorative coinage. It is composed of 0.900 fine silver with a weight of 28.6 grams and a diameter of 38 millimeters, aligning it with traditional crown-sized silver commemoratives. The edge of the coin is smooth, and the Proof strike ensures that every element of the design—from facial features to the folds in the figures’ garments—is fully defined and sharply detailed. In this Proof format, the surfaces exhibit brilliant reflectivity and exceptional contrast between fields and relief. Properly stored examples show no signs of handling, with pristine mirrors unmarred by contact marks or haze.
The mintage for the 1959 5 Lirot Proof coin was relatively low, reportedly around 7,000 pieces, with some sources noting variations in packaging and distribution. These coins were issued in presentation cases and marketed to collectors and supporters of the young Israeli state, including Jewish communities in the diaspora. As a limited issue with meaningful symbolism and a fine silver composition, the coin quickly gained a following and remains one of the more popular early Israeli commemoratives among numismatists. Today, well-preserved Proof examples—especially those still housed in original mint packaging—carry a strong premium over circulated or mishandled pieces.
This coin occupies an important place in Israel’s commemorative program. It was among the first major silver issues designed not only to celebrate an event but to evoke a narrative: the ongoing story of Jewish return and national renewal. The “Gathering of the Exiles” had immediate relevance in 1959, as waves of immigration continued from Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and later from the Soviet Union and Ethiopia. For the state, this coin celebrated not only the ingathering of people but the consolidation of a national identity rooted in unity through diversity. For collectors, it serves as a lasting artifact of one of Israel’s central ideologies brought to life in artful silver form.
Artistically, the coin stands out among its contemporaries for its strong narrative composition and emotional appeal. Unlike many commemorative coins that merely display symbols or buildings, this design tells a story—of movement, displacement, hope, and new beginnings. The figures are rendered in a stylized yet accessible fashion, intended to resonate with viewers from various cultural backgrounds. The minimal text ensures that the visual message remains the focal point. In its Proof format, this artistic vision is brought to its full potential, with shimmering contrast emphasizing each contour and shadow.
From a numismatic perspective, the coin’s appeal is further enhanced by its rarity and finish. As a 0.900 fine silver Proof issue, it is desirable for both metal content and aesthetic quality. The 1959 5 Lirot is often sought by collectors of Judaica, Israeli history, and modern commemoratives. Coins that retain their deep cameo contrast, free of milk spots, haze, or scratches, are particularly prized. In a high-quality Proof example, even the smallest design elements—such as the texture of clothing or facial expressions of the figures—are clearly visible, allowing full appreciation of the engraving and craftsmanship.
The “no pearl” or mint mark variations that exist on earlier Israeli coinage are not relevant to this specific issue, as the 5 Lirot 1959 was struck as a carefully controlled Proof commemorative without multiple dies or mints involved. Nonetheless, collectors are advised to verify authenticity and grade through certified services, as Proof coins are especially susceptible to mishandling over time. Protective encapsulation by services such as NGC or PCGS can enhance value and ensure long-term preservation, especially for a coin with mirrored surfaces vulnerable to environmental damage.
In conclusion, the 1959 Israel 5 Lirot silver Proof coin commemorating the Gathering of the Exiles (KM#23) is both a powerful national symbol and a striking piece of mid-20th-century commemorative numismatics. Its historical context, artistic design, precious metal content, and limited mintage converge to make it an enduring favorite among collectors. Whether appreciated for its emotional depth, technical beauty, or national pride, this Proof coin stands as a testament to the transformative period of early Israeli statehood and its commitment to uniting Jews from across the world in their ancestral homeland.