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The Israel 5 New Shekel 1990 “Sea of Galilee” PF69 Ultra Cameo NGC is a stunning collector coin that unites the natural beauty, religious importance, and national symbolism of one of Israel’s most iconic landmarks. Struck in proof quality by the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation (IGCMC), this commemorative issue forms part of a series dedicated to historic and geographical sites across the Land of Israel. The coin celebrates the Sea of Galilee—known in Hebrew as “Kinneret”—a body of water central to both Jewish and Christian traditions, and one of the most spiritually resonant sites in the Middle East. Its PF69 Ultra Cameo designation by NGC confirms its near-perfect condition, sharp detail, and exceptional eye appeal, making it a prized piece for collectors of Israeli numismatics and religious-themed coinage.
The Sea of Galilee is the largest freshwater lake in Israel and lies in the Jordan Rift Valley, fed primarily by the Jordan River. It is mentioned frequently in biblical accounts and is closely associated with the ministries of Jesus, as well as numerous events from both the Old and New Testaments. Known for its serene beauty and historical depth, the Sea of Galilee has long served as a symbol of spiritual nourishment, agricultural abundance, and divine miracles. Commemorating such a place on a national coin provides both a cultural and religious connection to Israel’s ancient past and its living present.
The reverse design of the coin features an elegant rendering of the Sea of Galilee, showing stylized waves rolling across the mirrored surface and bordered by minimalist representations of the surrounding landscape. The scene evokes tranquility and spiritual depth, capturing the essence of the sea’s reflective, still waters. Above the waves is the inscription “Sea of Galilee” in both Hebrew and English, and the design is carefully framed to maintain visual balance. The Ultra Cameo finish emphasizes the contrast between the frosted raised elements—waves and text—and the deeply mirrored fields, producing a dramatic and visually compelling presentation.
The obverse of the coin presents the standard design for Israel’s commemorative coinage from this period. It includes the denomination “5 New Shekels” in Hebrew and English, as well as the mint year “1990” and the Hebrew calendar year “5750.” The State of Israel’s official emblem, a menorah flanked by olive branches, sits prominently near the top. The name “Israel” appears in Hebrew, Arabic, and English, reflecting the country’s trilingual linguistic policy and its commitment to representing all segments of society. This formal and consistent obverse design ties the coin thematically to others in the series while allowing the reverse to uniquely express the featured site’s personality.
The coin was struck in proof quality by the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation, known for its precise minting techniques and culturally resonant designs. Utilizing polished dies and specially prepared planchets, the proof-striking process involved multiple strikes to achieve exceptional sharpness and brilliance. This coin’s Ultra Cameo designation is a testament to the IGCMC’s craftsmanship, showcasing deep contrast between mirrored backgrounds and frosted elements. The coin was produced in limited quantities and offered only to collectors, with each piece individually handled and inspected for quality before release.
The mintage of the 1990 “Sea of Galilee” 5 New Shekel proof coin was low, aligning with the series’ pattern of exclusivity. While exact numbers vary slightly depending on source, proof coins in this commemorative series generally had mintages between 3,000 and 5,000 pieces. This limited availability significantly enhances the coin’s desirability, especially when paired with a high certification grade like PF69 Ultra Cameo from NGC. The scarcity of high-grade examples further contributes to the coin’s appeal, particularly among those who collect religiously themed coins or modern world proofs.
As a PF69 Ultra Cameo, the coin exhibits nearly flawless surfaces, lacking any noticeable blemishes to the naked eye. The fields are deeply mirrored, showing no signs of haze, hairlines, or spotting, while the design elements—including the stylized waves—are frosted with exceptional clarity and consistency. Only under magnification might a tiny flaw be found, distinguishing it from the perfect PF70 grade. Encased in a secure, tamper-evident holder from NGC, this coin’s condition is certified and preserved for the long term, ensuring lasting value for collectors and investors alike.
Collectors value this coin not only for its technical precision and condition but for its evocative theme. The Sea of Galilee is a symbol of spiritual reflection, sustenance, and miracle. It is the site of pivotal biblical events such as the Sermon on the Mount, the feeding of the multitudes, and Jesus walking on water. Its inclusion in this coin series reflects Israel’s intention to honor both its physical geography and its sacred narrative, creating a cultural bridge between ancient scripture and modern statehood. The coin offers not just monetary or artistic value, but also spiritual significance for those who revere the site’s meaning.
The coin also appeals to collectors of modern Israeli proof coinage and thematic series. Many enthusiasts seek to assemble complete sets of these 5 New Shekel commemoratives, each of which features a different landmark from Israel’s historical and religious landscape. When viewed together, they form a comprehensive and cohesive narrative of the land’s enduring legacy. The Sea of Galilee coin is one of the most emotionally resonant entries in the series, combining natural beauty with sacred significance, and executed with precision and reverence.
The design’s simplicity adds to its emotional power. The absence of overworked detail allows the viewer to appreciate the symbolism inherent in the scene—the calm waters of a lake that has witnessed thousands of years of human longing, pilgrimage, and divine encounter. The frosted waves ripple gently against the reflective surface, giving the sense of eternity and motion. This minimalist approach underscores the concept that greatness and meaning can often be found in the most peaceful of scenes, a notion mirrored in religious teachings across cultures.
The Israel 5 New Shekel 1990 “Sea of Galilee” PF69 Ultra Cameo NGC stands out as a beautiful and meaningful addition to any world or religious-themed coin collection. With its low mintage, exquisite proof finish, near-perfect condition, and timeless subject, it captures the confluence of geography, faith, and nationhood. It represents more than currency—it is a numismatic tribute to the waters that have inspired prophets, sustained communities, and connected people across time and belief.