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"Space Exploration" in Israel
ISRAEL'S 55th ANNIVERSARY
Commemorative Coins Issued by the Bank of Israel
2003/5763
Anniversary Coins issued by the Bank of Israel.
In September 1988, Israel launched the 3-stage "Shavit" Rocket with the “Ofeq1” Satellite from its Negev Desert launch pad and became one of the small group of space-faring nations of the world able to launch satellites to orbit. Currently, three satellite are in orbit – Amos 1, the civil communications satellite, Gerwin 2, a research satellite developed by the Technion, and Eros, the commercial observation satellite, used also by the Israel Defense Forces. Within the next two years, the launch of new satellites are expected – a new military “Ofeq” model, a second communications satellite, “Amos 2” and another “Eros” satellite. The “Space Exploration” Commemorative Coin highlights Israel’s admirable achievements in Space. Each coin displays the “Shavit” rocket on the front with a different design on the reverse; the gold coin, the “Eros” Satellite is pictured, on the silver proof coin, the “Amos” Satellite and on the silver proof-like coin, the “Ofeq” Satellite. Israel’s first astronaut, Ilan Ramon, entered Space in the Columbia Space Shuttle. This coin is dedicated to Ilan Ramon and the other six astronauts who lost their lives in the Columbia tragedy. The coin edge bears a Hebrew inscription in their memory. Designed by Gideon Keich.
Coin Description
Front
The "Shavit" rocket in flight. The inscription, "Israel's Space Program" in Hebrew, Arabic and English, around the rim.
Reverse
The denomination, "1, 2 or 10" with the year of issue 5763/2003 and the word "Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic. The inscription around the rim, "Independence Day 2003" in Hebrew and English. The State Emblem at the top. The Proof coins mintmarked with a Hebrew 'mem' at the bottom. The Proof-like coins with a six pointed 'Star of David'. The 1 NIS Coin displays the "Ofeq" Satellite, 2 NIS Coin displays the "Amos" Satellite, 10 NIS Gold coin displays the "Eros" Satellite.
NIS-New Israel Sheqalim
| Cat. No. |
Denomination |
Type |
Diameter |
Weight |
Mintage |
Price |
| FR 86 |
10 NIS Proof |
Gold/.917 |
30 mm |
16.96 grams |
573 |
- |
 
Actual gold weight: 1/2 oz. encapsulated and housed in a custom display case from the Bank of Israel
| Cat. No. |
Denomination |
Type |
Diameter |
Weight |
Mintage |
Price |
| A 46 |
1 NIS Proof-like |
Silver/.925 |
30 mm |
14.4 grams |
1,233 |
40.00 |
| A 46a |
2 NIS Proof |
Silver/.925 |
38.7 mm |
28.8 grams |
1,249 |
65.00 |
Each coin is encapsulated and housed in a custom display case from the Bank of Israel
Proof-Like: A Mint State coin struck on a standard quality planchet. The coin displays a mirror type finish, but of lesser degree than a full Proof strike. A small six pointed "Star of David" mintmark struck on the "Space" coin at the bottom.
Proof: A coin which was made with special care. The coins are struck using polished dies. The planchets are specially selected and polished. The coins exhibit a mirror-like surface in the fields and a frosted appearance on the raised points of the coin. A small Hebrew 'mem' mintmark is struck on the "Space" coin at the bottom.
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email: coins@commem.com
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Our office address:
Commemoratives International, Ltd.
Hamden Center II
2321 Whitney Avenue, Suite 505
Hamden, CT 06518 USA
Telephone: 203-230-0221
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