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The Israel 5 New Shekel 1992 “B’nai B’rith” PF69 Ultra Cameo NGC is a distinguished modern proof coin issued by the Bank of Israel to commemorate the 150th anniversary of B’nai B’rith, one of the world’s oldest Jewish service organizations. This coin honors the organization’s profound contributions to Jewish communities across the globe and its enduring commitment to philanthropy, human rights, education, and interfaith cooperation. Struck by the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation (IGCMC) in limited numbers, this proof coin features deep mirror fields and frosted reliefs, earning the coveted Ultra Cameo designation. Graded PF69 by NGC, it exhibits near-perfect preservation with only the faintest imperfections detectable under magnification.
B’nai B’rith, meaning “Sons of the Covenant” in Hebrew, was founded in 1843 in New York City by German-Jewish immigrants. Over the decades, it has grown into an international organization focused on community service, civil rights advocacy, disaster relief, and support for Jewish culture and identity. By 1992, B’nai B’rith had become deeply embedded in Jewish life worldwide, including in Israel, where it played a significant role in promoting social programs, senior housing, Holocaust remembrance, and support for new immigrants. Commemorating its sesquicentennial on a national coin issued by Israel testifies to the organization’s global impact and the shared values between B’nai B’rith and the modern Jewish state.
The reverse design of the coin presents a thoughtful and dignified tribute to B’nai B’rith’s legacy. The organization’s well-known emblem, a stylized menorah with intertwining arms encircled by the Hebrew name "בני ברית", is centrally displayed. Beneath the emblem is the inscription “150 Years of B’nai B’rith” in both Hebrew and English. The design is flanked by laurel branches symbolizing honor and achievement, and the composition is balanced and symmetrical, giving the coin a stately and formal appearance. The Ultra Cameo finish brings the design to life by contrasting the frosted menorah and lettering with the mirrored proof field, creating a striking, high-relief aesthetic.
The obverse of the coin follows the standard design for Israeli commemorative issues of the era. At the top is the national emblem of Israel, a seven-branched menorah flanked by olive branches and the word “Israel” in Hebrew, Arabic, and English. Below that is the denomination, “5 New Shekels,” also shown in Hebrew and English, along with the dual dates “1992” and the Hebrew year “5752.” The clean, precise layout and high-quality strike demonstrate the IGCMC’s attention to design clarity and cultural representation. The consistent use of Hebrew, Arabic, and English underscores the multilingual and multicultural aspects of Israeli civic life.
The Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation struck the coin using specially prepared dies and polished planchets to achieve the highest level of detail and luster. The proof strike involved multiple strikes under high pressure, enhancing both the relief and the mirrored finish. The Ultra Cameo designation reflects the coin’s deep mirror-like fields and frosted raised elements, a hallmark of Israel’s finest proof coinage. These coins were produced not for circulation but as limited-edition issues for collectors and institutions interested in honoring Jewish heritage and global organizations with historic relevance.
The mintage of the 1992 “B’nai B’rith” 5 New Shekel proof coin was intentionally low, as with many Israeli commemorative proofs. While exact numbers can vary depending on packaging format and distribution method, most estimates place the mintage between 3,000 and 5,000 pieces, making it a scarce item in the marketplace. This limited availability, especially in high grades like PF69 Ultra Cameo, increases its desirability among collectors of Israeli numismatics, Jewish heritage coins, and organizational commemoratives. The coin appeals particularly to those who collect material related to B’nai B’rith, synagogue groups, or Jewish community foundations.
This coin’s PF69 Ultra Cameo grade places it among the top specimens known. Graded by NGC, one of the world’s most respected third-party grading services, this coin shows exceptional visual appeal. The mirrored fields are brilliant and free from haze or spotting, while the frosted design elements are sharp and consistent. A grade of PF69 indicates that the coin has only minuscule imperfections, invisible to the naked eye and detectable only under magnification. Encapsulated in a tamper-evident NGC holder, the coin is preserved in its present condition and fully authenticated, giving peace of mind to collectors and investors alike.
Thematically, the “B’nai B’rith” coin occupies a unique space in Israeli numismatics. Unlike coins commemorating ancient sites or national holidays, this issue celebrates a global Jewish institution that predates the State of Israel but shares its mission of safeguarding Jewish life and values. The coin stands as a bridge between diaspora Jewish history and the modern Zionist project, reflecting the interconnectedness of Jewish communities around the world. Its release by the Israeli government symbolizes official recognition and gratitude for B’nai B’rith’s role in promoting unity, education, and humanitarian assistance.
Collectors often include this coin in thematic groupings that highlight Jewish organizations, civil society achievements, and cultural milestones. It pairs well with other commemorative issues that honor Zionist leaders, Jewish heritage, or international collaboration. For those assembling complete sets of Israeli commemorative proof coins from the late 20th century, the 1992 “B’nai B’rith” issue is an essential inclusion, offering depth and narrative richness to any collection. It’s also a meaningful gift or presentation piece for members of the B’nai B’rith community or those involved in Jewish communal service.
From a design standpoint, the coin is notable for its restraint and clarity. The elegant rendering of the B’nai B’rith emblem, the use of laurel branches, and the bilingual inscriptions create a timeless and universally understood presentation. The combination of symbolism and modernist layout reflects both the classical values of justice and fraternity and the contemporary sensibilities of Israeli state design. The coin successfully balances the celebratory and commemorative aspects of the theme, making it a compelling object of historical and aesthetic interest.
The Israel 5 New Shekel 1992 “B’nai B’rith” PF69 Ultra Cameo NGC is a tribute to one of the most influential Jewish service organizations in modern history. It honors 150 years of community, leadership, and advocacy through a flawlessly crafted numismatic piece. With its limited mintage, exceptional condition, and deeply symbolic theme, this coin resonates as a meaningful and collectible artifact of Jewish unity, global service, and national recognition. It stands as a lasting testament to shared values and the enduring spirit of cooperation and identity that defines B’nai B’rith and the nation that issued the coin.