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The Israel 5 New Shekel 1993 “Apple Tree & Young Hart” PF69 Ultra Cameo NGC is a stunning silver proof coin that draws deeply from biblical allegory and natural imagery to express both artistic elegance and national identity. Issued by the Bank of Israel and struck by the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation (IGCMC), this commemorative belongs to the “Views of Israel” series, a group of coins celebrating the landscapes, wildlife, and spiritual heritage of the land. The design of this issue centers on the symbolic union of a young hart and an apple tree, motifs taken from the Song of Songs, expressing beauty, peace, and divine love. Graded PF69 Ultra Cameo by NGC, the coin is in nearly flawless condition, showcasing superior craftsmanship and strong aesthetic impact.
The reverse of the coin features an elegant composition of a young hart, or deer, standing quietly beneath a fully blossoming apple tree. The animal's slender form is rendered in crisp, frosted detail, exuding a sense of grace and tranquility. The tree’s branches arch protectively over the animal, with clusters of stylized apples that hint at abundance and shelter. Above the scene is the Hebrew inscription “תפוח ועופר,” while the English translation “Apple Tree & Young Hart” curves along the lower rim. The visual composition is carefully balanced, using negative space to enhance the impact of the natural elements and emphasize the harmony between flora and fauna.
The imagery on this coin is steeped in biblical symbolism, particularly from the Song of Songs, a poetic and allegorical text attributed to King Solomon. In the Song of Songs, the apple tree represents love, fertility, and divine connection, while the hart is a recurring symbol of youthful passion, spiritual pursuit, and natural grace. Together, they evoke a sense of serenity and spiritual longing that has deep roots in Jewish tradition. The pairing also reflects the Land of Israel itself—both fertile and wild, gentle and strong, ancient and ever-renewing.
The obverse carries the traditional layout seen in Israel's proof commemoratives from the early 1990s. At the top is the national emblem of the State of Israel—the seven-branched menorah flanked by olive branches—symbolizing enlightenment and peace. Beneath the emblem is the name “Israel” rendered in Hebrew, Arabic, and English, reflecting the nation’s multilingual identity. Below this is the denomination, “5 New Shekels,” in both Hebrew and English, and the date “1993” along with the Hebrew year “5753.” The clean, official layout of the obverse complements the poetic naturalism of the reverse design, anchoring the coin’s lyrical beauty in the context of civic identity.
The coin was struck in proof quality by IGCMC using polished dies and carefully selected planchets to achieve maximum detail and finish. Each proof coin was struck multiple times under high pressure to ensure crisp definition and mirrored surfaces. The PF69 Ultra Cameo grade awarded by NGC confirms that this piece exhibits deep mirror fields and frosted devices with only the most minimal imperfections, visible only under magnification. Ultra Cameo contrast enhances the visual depth of the design, with the delicate outlines of the hart and tree appearing to float above the glossy background, creating a refined and luminous effect.
The mintage of the 1993 “Apple Tree & Young Hart” 5 New Shekel proof coin was intentionally limited to maintain its exclusivity for collectors. As with other coins in the “Views of Israel” series, the typical mintage range was between 3,000 and 5,000 pieces, depending on packaging format and subscription distribution. The coin was issued as part of a collector set and often accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and presentation case. The low mintage, combined with the symbolic depth and high-grade certification, has made this issue increasingly sought after by collectors of modern Israeli coinage and biblical-themed numismatics.
The condition of this particular coin, certified PF69 Ultra Cameo by NGC, ensures it is nearly flawless and exceptionally attractive. The mirrored fields are clean and luminous, without haze, toning, or spotting. The frosted elements—especially the fine lines in the hart’s body and the apple tree’s foliage—are bold and unbroken. The rims are sharp and even, and the strike is precisely centered. There are no noticeable distractions to the naked eye, and only under 5x magnification might one find the tiniest hairline or speck that prevented a perfect PF70 grade. Encased in NGC’s secure holder, the coin’s quality and authenticity are permanently preserved and easily verifiable.
This coin is part of the broader “Views of Israel” commemorative series, which also includes other thematically similar pieces such as “Roe & Lily,” “Cedar & Dove,” and “Sea of Galilee.” Each coin in this series presents a view of Israel through symbols of nature, scripture, or geography. The 1993 issue’s particular use of romantic and spiritual imagery through the apple tree and hart makes it one of the more poetic and allegorical entries in the series. The coin doesn’t merely depict a scene but conveys a feeling—of calm, of beauty, and of connection to the land and divine grace.
For collectors, the “Apple Tree & Young Hart” coin holds appeal on multiple levels. It attracts those interested in Israeli coinage, as well as those collecting religious, biblical, or nature-themed coins. Its subject matter resonates with cultural and spiritual depth, while its technical execution—especially the Ultra Cameo contrast and near-flawless finish—meets the high standards of proof coin enthusiasts. Whether displayed individually or as part of a set, this coin offers visual elegance and meaningful symbolism in equal measure.
The use of wildlife and flora as metaphors is a tradition that stretches back millennia, and coins like this one carry that tradition forward with modern minting technology. The young hart and apple tree speak of inner peace, harmony with nature, and the enduring beauty of Israel’s land and language. This coin serves as a timeless reminder of those values, blending historical reverence with numismatic artistry.
The Israel 5 New Shekel 1993 “Apple Tree & Young Hart” PF69 Ultra Cameo NGC stands as a luminous example of modern commemorative coinage rooted in cultural and spiritual symbolism. It reflects Israel’s commitment to honoring its heritage through beautiful, meaningful design, and it offers collectors a silver proof of exceptional quality and depth. With its limited mintage, near-perfect condition, and richly layered imagery, it remains one of the most evocative and collectible issues in Israel’s modern series.