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The Israel 5 New Shekel 1991 “Cedar Trees & Dove” PF70 Ultra Cameo NGC is a masterfully designed proof coin that elegantly expresses the themes of peace, endurance, and natural beauty—elements that resonate deeply within Israeli history and symbolism. Issued by the Bank of Israel and struck by the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation (IGCMC), this coin is part of a prestigious series honoring the Land of Israel’s cultural and geographic heritage. The 1991 issue features the iconic cedar tree, long a symbol of strength and longevity, and the dove, an enduring emblem of peace. Graded PF70 Ultra Cameo by NGC, this coin represents the pinnacle of numismatic perfection, with flawless fields and impeccable contrast between deeply mirrored backgrounds and sharply frosted design elements.
The cedar tree holds a special place in the heritage of the Levant. Known from biblical texts and ancient architectural uses, the cedar—particularly the famed Cedars of Lebanon—has come to symbolize durability, righteousness, and majesty. In Israel, the image of the cedar tree is used in art, literature, and coinage to signify rootedness and continuity. The dove, with an olive branch in its beak, is universally associated with peace and renewal, tracing its symbolic lineage back to the story of Noah’s Ark in Genesis. Together, these two symbols on a single coin speak to Israel’s hope for peace rooted in strength and resilience.
The reverse of the coin showcases a beautifully rendered scene of stylized cedar trees rising from the ground, their trunks and branches etched with clarity and geometric precision. Among them, a dove is depicted mid-flight with its wings outstretched, gliding above the treetops. The composition is harmonious, giving the impression of movement and life. The inscription “Cedar Trees & Dove” appears in both Hebrew and English near the top edge, carefully placed so as not to detract from the natural elegance of the scene. The Ultra Cameo finish is vividly expressed in this design, with the frosted dove and tree elements standing crisply against a glass-like reflective field, giving the coin a striking visual depth.
The obverse follows the consistent format of commemorative Israeli coinage of the time. It features the denomination “5 New Shekels” in Hebrew and English, as well as the Gregorian year “1991” and the Hebrew calendar year “5751.” Above the denomination is the official emblem of the State of Israel—a menorah flanked by olive branches, a symbol of unity and peace rooted in the modern and ancient Jewish tradition. The word “Israel” appears in Hebrew, Arabic, and English, reflecting the country’s commitment to inclusivity and its multilingual culture. The clarity and symmetry of the obverse design create a formal balance to the poetic imagery on the reverse.
Produced at the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation, the coin was struck in proof quality, involving specialized dies and highly polished planchets. Each coin received multiple strikes under precise pressure to ensure sharply defined devices and flawless mirror fields. Only a small fraction of proof coins achieve the coveted PF70 grade from NGC, a certification that confirms the absence of post-production flaws even under 5x magnification. The Ultra Cameo designation further attests to the exceptional visual contrast between the raised frosted designs and the mirrored surfaces, which give the coin a brilliant and refined appearance.
The mintage of the 1991 “Cedar Trees & Dove” proof coin was limited, consistent with the other releases in this ongoing series. Although exact figures vary slightly, most proof coins of this series were produced in runs of roughly 3,000 to 5,000 pieces. This intentional scarcity increases their appeal to collectors of modern Israeli coinage and world numismatics. The PF70 Ultra Cameo designation places this particular example at the highest echelon of grading, signifying a perfect coin—an extremely rare achievement. Coins of this caliber are often the centerpiece of their collections and are valued accordingly in both aesthetic and financial terms.
The flawless preservation of this PF70 Ultra Cameo coin ensures it has no detracting marks, haze, or hairlines. The mirrored fields are pristine and highly reflective, while the frosted images of the cedar trees and dove are deeply struck and fully intact, with no breaks or imperfections in detail. The edges are sharp and clean, and the strike is fully centered and balanced. Encased in NGC’s secure, tamper-evident holder, this coin’s condition and authenticity are permanently guaranteed, protecting its value and appeal for future generations.
Collectors are drawn to this coin not only for its perfection but also for its powerful message and symbolism. The juxtaposition of cedar trees and a dove encapsulates a vision of peace rooted in strength—an image especially meaningful for the modern State of Israel. The coin can be interpreted as a prayer for peace in a region that has known millennia of turbulence and renewal. The coin serves as a quiet but firm statement of hope, grounding ideals of harmony in a foundation of national and spiritual identity.
As part of a broader commemorative series, this coin complements other issues that celebrate Israel’s natural beauty, religious history, and archaeological legacy. Coins depicting the Sea of Galilee, Jaffa Harbor, and Caesarea, for instance, tell the story of a land rich in tradition and resilience. The “Cedar Trees & Dove” issue adds a lyrical, almost meditative quality to the collection, appealing to those who appreciate symbolism and serenity in their numismatics. It is particularly sought after by collectors who focus on themes of peace, religious imagery, or ecological motifs in modern coinage.
The artistic style of the coin combines modern minimalism with symbolic depth. The clean lines and elegant spacing of the design allow the elements to breathe, while the refined proof finish elevates the composition to a level of numismatic art. This balance of form and meaning is a hallmark of Israeli commemorative coinage, which strives to represent the nation’s heritage with both beauty and respect. The “Cedar Trees & Dove” coin exemplifies this tradition with grace and precision, making it one of the standout pieces of the early 1990s series.
The Israel 5 New Shekel 1991 “Cedar Trees & Dove” PF70 Ultra Cameo NGC is a perfect fusion of art, history, and numismatic excellence. Its symbolism, exceptional craftsmanship, flawless condition, and limited mintage make it a gem within modern commemorative coinage. Whether collected as part of a thematic series or treasured for its individual beauty and message, it stands as a meaningful and masterful expression of peace and strength in Israel’s enduring story.