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The Israel 5 New Shekel 1992 “Roe & Lily” PF69 Ultra Cameo NGC is a visually striking and symbolically rich proof coin issued by the Bank of Israel and struck by the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation (IGCMC). As part of the “Views of Israel” commemorative series, this coin highlights the beauty of the country’s native wildlife and flora, with a particular focus on the elegant roe deer and the delicate lily, both of which hold cultural and biblical significance in Jewish history. Certified PF69 Ultra Cameo by NGC, this coin stands just one grade shy of perfection and features deeply mirrored fields and frost-laden devices that lend a stunning contrast and brilliance to its design.
The reverse of the coin presents a beautifully balanced natural scene featuring a roe deer standing gracefully beside a blooming lily. The deer, rendered in fine detail, gazes calmly forward, its long legs and slender body conveying both alertness and serenity. The lily, its petals fully open, leans slightly in the wind, echoing the motion and grace of the roe. Above the design is the Hebrew inscription “צבי ושושן” (Roe and Lily), while the English equivalent curves along the lower rim. The relationship between these two elements is not only aesthetically harmonious but also laden with poetic symbolism, most notably drawn from the Song of Songs, where the deer and lily are frequent metaphors for beauty, love, and spiritual longing.
The obverse maintains the traditional layout used in Israeli proof coinage during the early 1990s. Centered at the top is the national emblem of Israel—the seven-branched menorah flanked by olive branches—with the word “Israel” inscribed below in Hebrew, Arabic, and English. Beneath this appears the denomination “5 New Shekels,” presented in both Hebrew and English, followed by the date “1992” and the Hebrew calendar year “5752.” The clean, formal design of the obverse balances the lyrical natural imagery of the reverse, tying the coin to the official civic identity of the modern Israeli state.
The roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) is native to the forests and mountainous regions of Israel and has long been admired for its gentle demeanor and graceful form. In Jewish literature, it is a recurring image representing swiftness and tenderness, qualities admired in both romantic and spiritual contexts. The lily, meanwhile, is among the most frequently mentioned flowers in the Bible, often symbolizing purity, renewal, and divine favor. Together, the pairing of the roe and lily evokes a peaceful, Edenic vision of the Land of Israel, uniting the natural world with the lyrical traditions of scripture and song.
Produced in proof quality, this coin was meticulously struck with polished dies and planchets, resulting in razor-sharp detail and highly reflective fields. Each coin was struck multiple times to ensure complete fidelity in its fine features, particularly the delicate outlines of the deer and petals of the lily. The Ultra Cameo designation awarded by NGC signifies exceptional contrast between the matte frosted devices and the mirror-like background fields, heightening the visual depth and enhancing the coin’s appeal. The grade of PF69 reflects a coin that is nearly flawless, with only the most microscopic imperfections visible under magnification—none of which detract from its eye appeal.
The mintage of the 1992 “Roe & Lily” 5 New Shekel proof coin was relatively limited, in line with the broader commemorative proof series produced by Israel during this period. While exact mintage figures often vary based on packaging and distribution formats, the number typically falls between 3,000 and 5,000 coins. This limited production adds to the coin’s desirability among collectors of Israeli coinage, proof issues, and thematic representations of nature and biblical symbolism. Specimens graded PF69 Ultra Cameo by NGC are especially prized for their combination of near-perfect preservation and striking visual presentation.
The condition of this PF69 Ultra Cameo coin is nearly flawless. The mirrored fields are deep and free of haze, cloudiness, or hairlines visible to the naked eye. The frosted images of the roe and lily are crisp and sharply defined, with no breaks in detail or signs of weakness in the strike. The rims are fully formed, and the coin is well-centered, with outstanding balance and visual harmony. Encased in NGC’s tamper-evident holder, the coin is protected against environmental damage and counterfeiting, and its condition and authenticity are permanently documented by one of the world’s most trusted grading services.
The coin fits beautifully within the “Views of Israel” series, which explores the landscapes, wildlife, flora, and cultural heritage of the Land of Israel through the lens of numismatic art. Other coins in the series have depicted locations such as the Sea of Galilee, Caesarea, and Jaffa Harbor. The “Roe & Lily” coin offers a quieter, more introspective image—one rooted not in historical architecture or bustling port scenes but in the stillness and symbolism of nature. This makes it especially appealing to collectors who appreciate coins with deeper thematic resonance and poetic allusion.
From a design standpoint, the coin is a triumph of minimalism and metaphor. The image is uncluttered yet expressive, allowing the figures of the deer and lily to carry the full emotional weight of the composition. The use of negative space, careful proportioning, and precise engraving lend the coin a modern elegance, while the biblical associations imbue it with spiritual depth. It is this synthesis of art and meaning that makes the coin stand out not only within Israeli coinage but also within the broader field of modern commemoratives.
The “Roe & Lily” coin has found an appreciative audience among a variety of collectors. It appeals to those interested in Israeli history and culture, biblical themes in art, wildlife conservation, and floral motifs. Its accessible denomination and beautiful design also make it an ideal gift or entry point for new collectors. For advanced numismatists, the coin’s low mintage, high grade, and symbolic value position it as a desirable addition to any specialized collection of proof coins or religious-themed numismatics.
The Israel 5 New Shekel 1992 “Roe & Lily” PF69 Ultra Cameo NGC is a poignant and elegant tribute to the natural and spiritual beauty of Israel. Its pairing of graceful imagery with deep-rooted symbolism makes it both visually captivating and thematically profound. With limited mintage, superb craftsmanship, and near-perfect condition, it represents one of the most poetic issues in Israel’s modern commemorative series. It is a celebration of peace, nature, and heritage—encapsulated in a flawless disc of silver and light.