Israel Mint
The 63rd anniversary of the statehood of Israel will be commemorated through three coins that will feature the Dead Sea. The three coins include a proof-like One-New Israeli Shekel silver coin, a Two-NIS Proof Silver coin and a Ten-NIS Proof Gold coin. This latest release follows the tradition of releasing coins for the anniversary of Israeli statehood which started in 1958 when a five-lira silver coin was released in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of Israeli statehood.
Each year will have a different theme for the coins although it will be very much related to a section in the culture and life in Israel. The theme for 2011 is the Dead Sea, which is considered as an ancient landmark which is so geographically and geologically distinctive that it is considered as a natural wonder.
The Dead Sea is located in the lowest dry land area in the world which makes it around 420 meters below sea level. This is also a region that is significant to archaeology and biblical history. The Dead Sea is rich in potash and bromine and is the world’s deepest hyper-saline lake.
With its curative and therapeutic properties, the Dead Sea attracts thousands of visitors each year. The Israel Mint indicated that the Dead Sea is currently under threat from human activity and evaporation. It added that the southern area of the lake is already a salt deposit area after it dried up. Current efforts are being made to increase the water level in the Dead Sea using water coming from the Red Sea.
The coin was designed by Meir Eshel. The obverse side of the coin comes from a satellite photo of the region where the Dead Sea is located while the reverse side will feature the denomination of the coins and a bilingual legend of the term ”independence day 2011.”
The Israel Mint indicated that the commemorative coins will be a tribute to both the Dead Sea and the significance of preserving this particular natural wonder of the world. The proof-like, proof silver and proof gold coins will have a maximum mintage of 1,800, 5,000 and 555 respectively.
The coins can be acquired individually or in two sets. The silver coins will comprise one set while the second set will include all three coins. Due to the volatility of the price of precious metals, the price tag for the coins can be obtained by calling the landline number or visiting the website of the Israel Mint. A $25 fee will be added for each order for international shipping insurance and handling. Salt which came from the Dead Sea will be included in the casing of the gold coin as well as the set of three coins.
