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The Israel 5 Lirot 1967 silver commemorative coin, cataloged as KM#48 and struck in Proof condition, was issued to celebrate the reactivation of the historic lighthouse in the ancient port city of Akko (Acre). This coin belongs to a series of commemorative issues released by the State of Israel in the 1960s that combined cultural heritage with artistic design and national pride. The lighthouse theme underscores Israel’s connection to the Mediterranean Sea, maritime commerce, and the symbolism of light as guidance and hope. Issued during a dynamic period in Israeli history, the 1967 5 Lirot “Lighthouse” coin not only commemorates a physical structure but also highlights the nation’s ongoing restoration of its historic infrastructure and identity.
The obverse of the 5 Lirot Lighthouse coin features the official emblem of the State of Israel—a stylized seven-branched menorah flanked by olive branches. Above the menorah appears the word "ישראל" (Israel) in Hebrew. The emblem is deeply engraved and contrasts beautifully against the mirrored fields of the Proof surface, with fine lines and brilliant frosting that elevate the presentation of the national symbol. The polished mirror background, characteristic of Proof coins, reflects light sharply and adds a sense of visual depth. This emblematic side of the coin is clean and direct, linking the coin to state authority and reinforcing the centrality of the menorah in Israeli iconography.
The reverse of the coin is where the commemorative artistry truly comes to life. It showcases a stylized image of a lighthouse perched on a rocky Mediterranean coastline, emitting beams of light that arc dramatically outward. The modernist rendering is both symbolic and evocative, suggesting both maritime function and national metaphor. To the left of the lighthouse are the Hebrew words "מגדלור עכו" (Akko Lighthouse), while the English word “LIGHTHOUSE” appears along the upper rim, and the denomination “5 לירות ישראליות” (5 Israeli Lirot) is presented below. The date “1967” and the Hebrew year “תשכ"ז” are placed along the bottom edge. The design is dynamic, using negative space and geometric precision to convey illumination, modern infrastructure, and timeless guidance.
This coin was minted by the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation and struck in .900 fine silver, consistent with other silver commemorative issues of the time. Weighing 28.6 grams and measuring 38 millimeters in diameter, the coin aligns with standard crown-size dimensions and has a smooth edge. In its Proof format, it exhibits deep mirrored fields and frosted devices, with high-contrast cameo effect enhancing the lighthouse’s silhouette and radiant beams. In pristine Proof condition, the coin should display sharp strike details, spotless fields, and unbroken luster across both sides. Any deviation such as hazing, toning, or contact marks would detract from the visual and collectible appeal, so a well-preserved example remains highly prized.
The lighthouse depicted is the restored Akko Lighthouse, a historically significant structure located in one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The port of Akko has served as a vital maritime hub since ancient times, functioning under Phoenician, Crusader, Ottoman, and British control. The reactivation and restoration of the lighthouse in the modern era symbolized Israel’s reclamation of its historical coastline and the rebirth of its maritime legacy. By the time of the coin’s release in 1967, the Akko Lighthouse stood as a beacon for a young nation asserting both its sovereignty and continuity with the past. As such, this coin is not simply about maritime navigation, but about national illumination and restoration.
Only 5,894 Proof examples of this coin were minted, a relatively low number, especially when compared with modern commemorative productions. These were typically issued in presentation boxes with certificates of authenticity and sold through the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation to domestic and international collectors. The small mintage and silver content ensured collector interest from the beginning, and over time, attrition from improper storage or mishandling has made high-grade examples increasingly difficult to find. A Proof example with full mirrored brilliance and cameo devices, especially one still housed in original packaging, is considered highly desirable among collectors of Judaica, maritime themes, or Israeli numismatics.
Collectors often value this issue not only for its numismatic attributes but also for its symbolism. The lighthouse as a motif speaks to themes of vision, foresight, and national direction—an apt symbol for Israel in the years following the challenges of statehood and on the cusp of major historical events like the Six-Day War. The coin’s modernist aesthetic also reflects the artistic trends of the time, where Israeli designers combined minimalist symbolism with clean geometry to express national ideals. The lines and curves of the lighthouse’s radiating beams are particularly effective in conveying a sense of energy and reach without relying on excessive detail or realism.
Condition plays a critical role in the value and collectibility of this Proof coin. In a top-tier example, the fields remain glassy and uninterrupted, providing a mirror finish that sharply contrasts the satin-like texture of the design. The details of the lighthouse, its architectural lines, and light rays should appear frosted and crisp. Proof coins are more vulnerable to surface imperfections due to their polished surfaces, so careful preservation is essential. Those graded by third-party services such as NGC or PCGS, especially at grades PF68 or higher with Deep Cameo (DCAM) or Ultra Cameo (UC) designations, are particularly valued in the collector marketplace.
This coin also marks an important transitional moment in Israeli commemorative coinage. By 1967, Israel had already issued several silver coins on themes such as the Declaration of Independence, the Law of Return, and religious holidays. The Lighthouse coin reflects a turn toward infrastructure and modern symbolism—less about ancient heritage and more about contemporary pride and national achievement. It would pave the way for future commemoratives that celebrated Israeli cities, science, and modern cultural figures, broadening the scope of national themes beyond purely historical or religious contexts.
In conclusion, the Israel 5 Lirot 1967 Lighthouse coin (KM#48) in Proof condition is an elegant and meaningful commemorative issue that blends artistic beauty with historical depth. Its low mintage, fine silver content, and high-grade finish make it a standout in Israeli numismatics. The lighthouse as a motif resonates strongly, representing not only maritime heritage but also Israel’s broader narrative of enlightenment, security, and nation-building. For collectors, this coin offers both visual splendor and symbolic significance—a luminous addition to any world or Judaica collection.