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The Israel 5 Lirot 1972 KM#69.1 UNC “Russian Hanukka Lamp” silver coin is a beautiful and culturally significant numismatic issue that belongs to Israel’s long-running Hanukka Coin series. This program, begun in 1969 by the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation, was created to highlight historic and artistic Hanukkah lamps (menorot) from Jewish communities around the world. The 1972 release, struck in .900 fine silver, pays tribute to a magnificent Hanukkah lamp originating from Russia, showcasing the deep historical connections between Jewish diaspora art and religious tradition. Issued in uncirculated (UNC) condition, the coin remains an elegant example of Israeli commemorative coinage from the early 1970s.
The inspiration for the reverse design of the 1972 coin comes from a Russian Hanukkah lamp dating to the 19th century, a period when Jewish artisans created ritual objects of great beauty despite the societal restrictions they faced. This specific lamp, now preserved in the Israel Museum, reflects the traditional Eastern European design of the era, characterized by its ornate form, symmetrical layout, and the use of architectural motifs. The coin’s depiction captures the stylized structure of the lamp with its eight oil cups arranged in a row, surmounted by a decorative backplate and topped with a shamash candle. The artistry is conveyed through bold, clean lines and intricate relief, bringing the antique lamp to life on a modern silver canvas.
The Hebrew inscription on the reverse reads “מנורת חנוכה רוסית” (Russian Hanukka Lamp), with the English equivalent and the date “1972” displayed below the design. The trilingual inscriptions—Hebrew, English, and Arabic—honor Israel’s official languages and reflect its inclusive approach to national coinage during the formative decades of the state. The lamp itself, centrally placed and rendered with fine detailing, communicates both spiritual reverence and artistic beauty. The minimalist background and precise engraving allow the object’s historical character to shine through, emphasizing the unity of function and form in Judaic ceremonial art.
The obverse of the coin features the official emblem of the State of Israel—a menorah flanked by olive branches, with the word “ישראל” (Israel) inscribed below in Hebrew. This national symbol, based on the ancient menorah of the Second Temple, echoes the Hanukkah theme and reinforces the religious and cultural identity of the nation. Surrounding the emblem are inscriptions indicating the denomination “5 Lirot” in Hebrew, Arabic, and English, as well as the Hebrew year “תשל”ב” (5732), corresponding to 1972. The modernist simplicity of the obverse contrasts nicely with the ornate lamp on the reverse, giving the coin visual balance and thematic depth.
This coin was struck in 0.900 fine silver with a total weight of 28.8 grams and a diameter of 38 millimeters, placing it firmly in the tradition of mid-20th-century silver commemoratives with substantial heft and strong visual presence. Its smooth, uncirculated finish ensures a brilliant luster across the fields and well-defined edges and devices. These UNC coins were issued with careful minting techniques to reduce contact marks, scratches, and blemishes, making well-preserved examples highly desirable. The coin’s reeded edge adds a traditional touch and helps distinguish it from other non-circulating legal tender (NCLT) issues of the time.
Produced by the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation, the 1972 Russian Hanukka Lamp coin was issued in both uncirculated and proof formats, with KM#69.1 referring specifically to the uncirculated version. These coins were sold directly to collectors in protective packaging, often accompanied by bilingual certificates of authenticity and housed in official presentation folders. Although exact mintage numbers for the UNC version are not always precisely documented, estimates place the figure at around 4,000 to 6,000 pieces, making it a relatively low-mintage collectible with enduring appeal among Judaica specialists and world coin enthusiasts.
In terms of condition, examples in UNC state typically exhibit brilliant silver surfaces with no evidence of circulation or wear. Collectors prize specimens that have retained their full mint luster, with sharp definition in the menorah design and clean, unmarked fields. Light natural toning may occur over time, especially when stored in original packaging, and can be seen as enhancing the coin’s vintage aesthetic when evenly distributed. Coins that remain sealed in their original capsules or government-issued sleeves often display the best long-term preservation and are most desirable on the secondary market.
Thematically, the 1972 Russian Hanukka Lamp coin continues the Hanukka series’ mission of highlighting the diversity and richness of Jewish ceremonial art across centuries and continents. Each annual release focuses on a unique lamp from a different region, creating a panoramic history of Jewish resilience, creativity, and identity as expressed through sacred ritual objects. By honoring the Russian Jewish tradition, the 1972 coin acknowledges a community that endured both cultural flourishing and intense persecution, and whose artistic legacy remains preserved and celebrated in Israel today.
Collectors often seek to assemble full sets of the Hanukka coin series, appreciating the cultural continuity and visual evolution presented by the varied lamp designs. The 1972 issue stands out for its elegant symmetry and the meaningful representation of a Jewish artifact from Eastern Europe. It appeals not only to numismatists but also to historians, Judaica collectors, and those with personal ties to Russian Jewish heritage. Its relatively low mintage and silver content also provide a tangible foundation for its long-term value and desirability.
The Israel 5 Lirot 1972 KM#69.1 UNC Russian Hanukka Lamp silver coin remains a significant and evocative piece in the annals of Israeli numismatics. With its faithful rendering of a historical lamp, meaningful cultural symbolism, and expertly struck silver finish, it offers both aesthetic beauty and rich historical context. As part of a beloved series and as a standalone tribute to Jewish tradition and diaspora artistry, this coin continues to resonate with collectors worldwide who value the fusion of faith, heritage, and numismatic excellence.