-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 56636
Checkout
The Israel 5 New Shekel 1993 “Apple Tree & Young Hart” PF68 Ultra Cameo NGC is a graceful and symbolically rich proof coin issued by the Bank of Israel as part of the “Views of Israel” commemorative series. This coin exemplifies the deep relationship between nature, scripture, and national identity, combining exquisite design with religious and cultural resonance. Issued in limited quantity and struck in high-quality proof finish by the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation (IGCMC), this piece has been graded PF68 Ultra Cameo by NGC, indicating a superb example with excellent contrast and preservation, just shy of perfection.
The central theme of the reverse design features a young hart—a species of deer—standing beneath a flourishing apple tree, a composition steeped in biblical symbolism. The apple tree’s branches are laden with stylized fruit, bending gently as if in response to the peaceful presence of the deer. In Hebrew tradition and the poetic verses of the Song of Songs, both the hart and the apple tree represent beauty, desire, and a longing for harmony. The imagery captures a moment of tranquil coexistence between flora and fauna, evoking the idyllic and pastoral spirit of the land of Israel. Above the image is the Hebrew phrase “תפוח ועופר,” with the English translation, “Apple Tree & Young Hart,” inscribed along the bottom rim.
The obverse of the coin follows the standard layout seen across Israel’s commemorative coinage during the early 1990s. Centered at the top is the emblem of the State of Israel—the menorah flanked by olive branches—symbolizing peace and enlightenment. Below this is the word “Israel” in three languages: Hebrew, Arabic, and English. The denomination “5 New Shekels” appears in Hebrew and English beneath the national emblem, and the coin is dated “1993” in Gregorian and “5753” in Hebrew calendar years. The simplicity and clarity of the obverse serve as a counterbalance to the poetic imagery of the reverse.
The young hart, or deer, has long been a symbol of gentleness, swiftness, and grace in Jewish texts. The Song of Songs, attributed to King Solomon, frequently employs the imagery of the hart to convey themes of love and longing: “As the hart pants after the water brooks, so my soul pants after thee.” The apple tree, too, is celebrated in the same scripture for its beauty and shelter, representing the beloved: “As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons.” By combining these two symbols, the coin alludes to divine love, national rebirth, and the natural beauty of the Land of Israel.
This coin was struck in proof quality using highly polished dies and planchets, allowing for crisp detail and lustrous finishes. The Ultra Cameo designation reflects an outstanding strike with deeply mirrored fields and heavily frosted design elements. The frosted finish on the deer, tree, and lettering stands in sharp contrast to the mirror-like background, resulting in a visually dramatic and elegant presentation. As a proof coin, it was not released for circulation but issued in a limited collector’s edition, often as part of boxed sets accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
The PF68 grade assigned by NGC places this coin near the upper echelon of certified proof examples. It denotes a coin with strong visual appeal, bold contrast, and only minor imperfections such as faint hairlines or slight blemishes visible under magnification. The Ultra Cameo designation further enhances the coin’s desirability, affirming its superb presentation and quality strike. Encapsulation by NGC in a secure, tamper-evident holder assures both authenticity and protection, preserving the coin’s condition for generations to come.
Mintage figures for the 1993 “Apple Tree & Young Hart” 5 New Shekel proof coin were limited, consistent with other coins in the “Views of Israel” series. Most releases from this period were struck in quantities between 3,000 and 5,000 pieces, ensuring their relative scarcity and collectibility. These coins were marketed to collectors with interests in religious iconography, biblical symbolism, Israeli history, and fine proof coinage. As the 1993 issue, this coin marked a continuation of the successful “Views of Israel” line, which focused not on architecture or political themes, but rather on serene, pastoral imagery drawn from scripture and nature.
The design’s elegance is matched by its spiritual resonance. The image of the young hart under the apple tree suggests peace and shelter, mirroring both a longing for divine connection and the comfort found in one’s homeland. The design does not crowd the coin’s surface but instead uses negative space effectively to highlight the delicate curves of the deer and the organic arcs of the tree. The scene is pastoral yet poetic, evoking an Edenic vision of Israel’s landscapes that connects deeply with Jewish artistic tradition.
As with other coins in the “Views of Israel” series, the “Apple Tree & Young Hart” issue appeals to a broad range of collectors. For those focused on Israeli numismatics, it represents a high-quality proof from a significant commemorative series. For collectors of religious and biblical-themed coins, it provides a vivid visual interpretation of scriptural imagery. The low mintage, poetic subject, and fine condition also make it attractive to those interested in limited-edition silver proof coins with deeper cultural meaning.
This coin complements the other nature-themed issues of the series, such as the “Roe & Lily” and “Cedar & Dove,” creating a thematic arc that celebrates Israel’s flora, fauna, and the symbolic traditions of its people. These coins are especially meaningful to collectors who appreciate the fusion of numismatic art and biblical heritage. Displayed together, the “Views of Israel” coins form a meditative series on love, beauty, peace, and the enduring relationship between a people and their land.
The Israel 5 New Shekel 1993 “Apple Tree & Young Hart” PF68 Ultra Cameo NGC is a coin of remarkable charm, artistic restraint, and spiritual depth. It combines expertly rendered design with profound symbolism drawn from the Song of Songs, encapsulating a timeless vision of peace and beauty in the Israeli landscape. With its limited mintage, superb craftsmanship, and high certification grade, it remains a treasured piece in the realm of modern biblical numismatics—an enduring tribute to nature, love, and cultural continuity.