-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 56645
Checkout
The Israel 5 New Shekel 1997 “Pomegranates & Lion” PF69 Ultra Cameo NGC silver proof coin is a deeply symbolic and artistically refined issue within the "Views of Israel" series, struck by the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation (IGCMC) and released under the auspices of the Bank of Israel. Combining ancient biblical iconography with modern minting precision, this .925 sterling silver coin pays tribute to the enduring symbols of strength and abundance found in Jewish scripture and the natural landscape of Israel. With a near-perfect PF69 Ultra Cameo grade from NGC, the coin exemplifies both the spiritual themes and technical mastery that define this celebrated numismatic program.
The reverse design of the coin features a regal lion standing alert beneath a cluster of hanging pomegranates. The lion is rendered in a stylized yet muscular profile, with a flowing mane and a forward gaze that conveys nobility and power. Above the lion hangs a prominent branch of pomegranates, depicted in full fruit with textured seeds visible within their forms, symbolizing fertility, righteousness, and the many blessings promised to the people of Israel. The imagery is carefully composed to suggest a scene of harmony and strength drawn from the land itself. The Hebrew inscription “רימון ואריה” and its English translation “Pomegranates & Lion” appear at the top and bottom of the reverse, respectively.
The pomegranate is one of the Seven Species (Shiv'at HaMinim) listed in the Torah as products of the Land of Israel and has long been associated with divine blessing, fruitfulness, and spiritual completeness. According to tradition, the pomegranate contains 613 seeds, corresponding to the 613 commandments of the Torah. The lion, on the other hand, is emblematic of courage, royalty, and messianic expectation, most notably representing the Tribe of Judah. The pairing of these two symbols suggests the vision of a strong, fertile nation grounded in moral values and divine guidance. The imagery is as deeply theological as it is aesthetically powerful.
The obverse of the coin features the national emblem of Israel at the top: a menorah flanked by olive branches, a symbol of light, peace, and the continuity of the Jewish people. Beneath it, the word “Israel” is written in Hebrew, Arabic, and English, reflecting the nation’s multilingual identity. The denomination “5 New Shekels” appears in both Hebrew and English, along with the year of minting, “1997,” and its Hebrew calendar equivalent, “5757.” The layout follows the classic commemorative obverse structure used throughout the 1990s, giving a sense of continuity and formal dignity to the series.
Minted in proof quality, the coin was struck using specially prepared dies and polished blanks to produce a flawless finish. The PF69 Ultra Cameo designation from NGC reflects exceptional craftsmanship, with deeply mirrored fields and sharply frosted devices. The lion and pomegranates stand out in elegant relief against the reflective background, creating dramatic visual contrast and emphasizing the detail in both texture and form. The overall appearance is one of brilliant clarity and refined execution, demonstrating the high production standards maintained by the IGCMC.
Graded PF69 Ultra Cameo, this coin is just a step below the ultimate PF70 and is virtually indistinguishable to the naked eye from a perfect specimen. Its mirrored surfaces are clear and unmarred by spotting or cloudiness, and the frosted elements exhibit full strike and strong contrast. The pomegranate’s seeds and the lion’s mane are particularly crisp and well-defined. The coin has been encapsulated in NGC’s secure, tamper-evident holder, providing lasting protection and authentication for collectors and investors alike.
The mintage of the “Pomegranates & Lion” coin was intentionally limited, with estimates suggesting a figure of approximately 3,000 to 5,000 pieces struck in proof silver. These coins were issued with certificates of authenticity and housed in presentation cases, making them suitable for both individual collectors and institutional collections. The scarcity of high-grade examples—especially PF69 and above—enhances its desirability among collectors of Judaica, modern silver proofs, and Israeli commemorative issues.
This coin is a part of the wider “Views of Israel” series, which spans numerous years and features artistic representations of Israel’s flora, fauna, and cultural heritage. Other coins in the series include symbolic pairs such as “Cedar & Dove,” “Palm Tree & Leopard,” and “Apple Tree & Young Hart.” The “Pomegranates & Lion” stands out for its boldness and regal symbolism, offering a striking contrast to the gentler themes found in other entries. Its thematic focus on strength paired with abundance offers a nuanced interpretation of Israel’s identity—rooted in both ancient tradition and future promise.
The “Pomegranates & Lion” motif also resonates with those drawn to biblical prophecy and messianic symbolism. The lion is traditionally connected with the coming of the Messiah from the House of David, while the pomegranate evokes the blessings of a land “flowing with milk and honey.” Collectors who appreciate religious, spiritual, and nationalistic themes will find this coin especially meaningful, both as a collectible and as an expression of deeper values encoded in metal and art.
The visual execution of the design reflects a balance between stylization and realism. The lion’s form is not anatomically rigid but rather expressive, its posture composed yet watchful. The pomegranate branch flows naturally from the top, its fruits hanging with organic grace. This naturalistic yet emblematic style is characteristic of many coins in the series, aiming not just to depict but to evoke—drawing on emotion, history, and faith to create a unified visual language.
The Israel 5 New Shekel 1997 “Pomegranates & Lion” PF69 Ultra Cameo NGC silver proof coin is a masterwork of numismatic art and spiritual resonance. With its flawless near-perfect condition, low mintage, and deep symbolism, it is a prized piece for collectors of modern Israeli coinage and those with an appreciation for religious themes rendered in precious metal. As a representation of strength and blessing, it stands as a silver mirror to the soul of a people and the enduring vision of peace, abundance, and dignity in their homeland.