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The Israel 5 New Shekel 1992 “Paralympic Games” PF70 Ultra Cameo NGC is a masterfully produced proof coin celebrating athletic achievement, human resilience, and the spirit of inclusivity. Issued to commemorate Israel's participation in the 1992 Summer Paralympic Games held in Barcelona, this coin was struck by the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation (IGCMC) with precision and symbolism. Certified PF70 Ultra Cameo by NGC, this example represents the highest level of numismatic quality, with flawless surfaces and dramatic contrast between deeply mirrored fields and frosted design elements. The coin not only honors Israel’s athletes with disabilities but also reflects a broader cultural commitment to perseverance, equality, and national pride.
The 1992 Summer Paralympic Games marked a milestone in international sports, with increased global attention and participation. For Israel, which has a strong legacy of involvement in the Paralympic movement dating back to the 1960s, the games represented a continued commitment to supporting athletes of all abilities. Israel has long viewed its Paralympians as symbols of courage and determination, particularly as many competitors were injured veterans or individuals with disabilities who achieved excellence in sport despite adversity. Commemorating this spirit through coinage brings national recognition to these achievements while reinforcing the inclusive values of Israeli society.
The reverse design of the coin is a dynamic and symbolic tribute to athleticism and progress. It features a stylized image of a wheelchair racer in motion, with the arms and wheels composed of clean geometric lines that evoke speed and energy. The athlete is portrayed with strength and forward momentum, breaking through abstract arcs that symbolize both the physical track and broader barriers being overcome. The Hebrew inscription “משחקים פאראלימפיים” and its English equivalent “Paralympic Games” curve along the upper edge, emphasizing the coin’s commemorative purpose. The Ultra Cameo finish enhances the dramatic visuals, with the frosted racer sharply standing out against the reflective field.
The obverse bears the standard Israeli proof coin design used during the period. The denomination “5 New Shekels” is displayed in both Hebrew and English, accompanied by the date “1992” and the Hebrew year “5752.” Above this information is the official emblem of the State of Israel, a menorah flanked by olive branches—symbols of peace and national identity. The trilingual name “Israel” appears in Hebrew, Arabic, and English, reflecting the linguistic and cultural diversity of the country. The crispness of the proof strike and the harmonious layout create a dignified and consistent visual identity across Israeli commemorative issues.
The coin was struck in proof quality by the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation, an institution renowned for producing collector coins with high artistic and technical standards. Using specially polished planchets and finely engraved dies, each coin received multiple strikes to ensure maximum detail and brilliance. The Ultra Cameo effect, achieved through deliberate contrast between frosted design elements and mirrored backgrounds, adds a refined aesthetic that enhances the coin’s impact. Only a small fraction of these coins earned the PF70 grade, making this example an elite and flawless representative of modern Israeli minting.
The mintage of the 1992 “Paralympic Games” 5 New Shekel proof coin was intentionally limited, as is customary with Israel’s commemorative series. Typically, these proof issues were minted in runs of approximately 3,000 to 5,000 pieces, offering exclusivity and appeal to collectors. Within that small production, only a select number have been graded PF70 Ultra Cameo by NGC, signifying a perfect coin with no post-strike imperfections under 5x magnification. This combination of low mintage and top-tier certification makes the coin especially desirable to those collecting Israeli proofs, Paralympic commemoratives, or numismatic tributes to human achievement.
The condition of this coin, graded PF70 Ultra Cameo, means it is flawless in every respect. The mirrored fields are deep and uninterrupted, free of haze, contact marks, or other visual distractions. The frosted image of the athlete is sharply rendered, with every line of motion and detail in the wheelchair and limbs perfectly preserved. The rims are full and the strike is entirely centered, with no evidence of weakness or misalignment. Encased in NGC’s secure, tamper-proof holder, the coin’s grade and authenticity are certified for long-term preservation and collector assurance.
What makes this coin particularly compelling is its human-centered theme. While many coins commemorate buildings, events, or places, the “Paralympic Games” coin focuses on the human spirit—specifically, the strength and perseverance of individuals who have overcome adversity to compete on a global stage. The wheelchair racer is not just a symbol of athletic competition, but also of determination, innovation, and inclusion. For Israel, which places great emphasis on integrating individuals with disabilities into public life, the coin is a testament to national values as much as athletic excellence.
This coin holds special appeal for thematic collectors. It can be part of collections centered on sports, disability rights, modern Olympic and Paralympic commemoratives, or world coins honoring human achievement. It stands alongside other global issues that mark the Paralympic Games, but it is distinctive in its bold design and profound symbolism. Its minimalist aesthetic, typical of modern Israeli numismatic design, reinforces the emotional power of the theme without unnecessary embellishment, allowing the viewer to focus on the significance of the athlete’s motion and resolve.
The “Paralympic Games” coin also occupies a meaningful place within the larger series of Israeli 5 New Shekel proof commemoratives, many of which feature historical sites, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. By focusing on a contemporary theme—athletics and inclusivity—it adds diversity to the series and illustrates the country’s evolving priorities and international engagement. When included in a full set, the coin provides an inspiring modern counterpoint to coins depicting ancient ports, biblical landscapes, and religious symbols, reminding collectors that history is still being made in the present day.
The Israel 5 New Shekel 1992 “Paralympic Games” PF70 Ultra Cameo NGC is a flawless and deeply meaningful coin that exemplifies the best of modern commemorative numismatics. Its limited mintage, perfect preservation, and moving design come together to honor athletes who represent the highest ideals of courage and perseverance. Whether part of an advanced Israeli collection or a standalone tribute to the human spirit, this coin delivers both aesthetic excellence and emotional depth, securing its place as a highlight of early 1990s world coinage.