Israel Coins and Medals Corp. is the body permitted by the Government of Israel to issue the official State Medals of Israel and under an exclusive contract with the Bank of Israel, the corporation is the exclusive worldwide distributor of the commemorative coins and special banknote issues of the Bank of Israel. From its inception in 1958 until 2008, the corporation was fully owned by the Government. In 2008, it was privatized. The corporation has its own manufacturing plant, where commemorative coins for the Bank of Israel, Israel State medals and privately ordered medals are minted.
History
Israel Coins and Medals Corp. was established in 1958 by the first Prime Minister of Israel, David Ben Gurion, and was to be an Ambassador to the Jewish people and the world, through distribution of the Commemorative Coins issued by the Bank of Israel and the Official State Medals. Since its establishment, the Israel Coins and Medals Corp. has maintained its original character and values, as Ben Gurion had envisioned.
In 2008, the corporation was privatized, according to a decision made by the Israeli Government, and purchased by G.R.A.S Design Combinations Ltd., following a stringent selection process.
Corporation's Aims
The aims of the Corporation are to commemorate historical and national events, scientific accomplishments and achievements of Israel, perpetuate the memory of its outstanding leaders and personalities, highlight its historical sites, preserve its culture and art and give artistic expression to the joyful occasions in Israeli society and lives of the individuals.
Roles
Distribution of the Collector Coins issued by the Bank of Israel
Issuance of the official State Medals of Israel and special medals for organizations, enterprises and individuals Issuance of one-gram to one-kilogram Gold and Silver Bars, for investment and gifts Design and production of "Adillion" Coin-Jewelry, mounted with coins and medals Production of recreations of ancient coins discovered in archaeological excavations in Israel and sale of authentic ancient coins, licensed by the Israel Antiquities Authority Design, production and marketing of authentic Israeli art works
Exclusive Distributor of the Commemorative Coins issued by the Bank of Israel
The Bank of Israel, which is the Central Bank of the State of Israel, solely, has the right by law to issue the currency of Israel - banknotes, coins, commemorative and special coins. The Governor of the Bank of Israel determines the form of banknotes and coins with the approval of the Administrative Council and the Government. For this purpose, the Governor consults with the Public Committee for the Planning of Banknotes and Coins.
Commemorative Coins and Series
The Bank of Israel usually issues five new Commemorative Coins in limited mintages, annually. Four of the coins are issued within series
Biblical Art
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Israel
Views of Israel
Jerusalem of Gold (Israeli Gold Bullion Coins)
A special Commemorative Coin is issued each year in honor of Israel's Independence Day and is dedicated to one of the outstanding achievements of the State of Israel.
Bank of Israel Gold and Silver Commemorative Coins
The commemorative coins issued by the Bank of Israel are struck in gold and silver. The 1 New Shekel and 2 New Shekel Coins are struck in silver, while the 5, 10 and 20 New Shekels (and small size 1 New Shekel) are struck in gold.
In 2010, the Bank of Israel issued the first Israeli Bullion Coin in a Series entitled "Jerusalem of Gold". The coins in this series picture famous sites in Jerusalem. Their mintages are limited to 3,600 and they are struck in fine gold.9999 with a diameter of 32mm. They weigh 1 Troy Oz. (31.1 grams) and bear a 20 New Shekels face value. The price of these coins changes daily in accordance with the international gold spot price.
State Medals of Israel
Israel State Medals are miniature works of art that commemorate the history of the Israeli nation and the historical events in Israel and the world, in which Israel takes part. They bear the Israel State Emblem with authorization from the Committee on Ceremonies and Symbols.
The first Israel State Medal, "Liberation", was issued in 1958, the tenth anniversary year of Israel. One side of the medal bears the design of the "Judaea Capta" Roman coins that were issued following the destruction of the Second Temple and victory of Rome, while the other side depicts a happy mother lifting her baby and an agriculturist planting a tree in the young State of Israel, symbolic of the rebirth of the Jewish people in the Land of Israel.