Zionist Congress

Israel's 49^th anniversary coin encapsulates 100 years of history. In 1897, the first Zionist Congress took place in Basel, Switzerland, initiated by Theodor Herzl, a lawyer, writer and journalist. Herzl was troubled by the plight of his people, who were suffering the pains of not having a homeland. He was determined to find a solution to the problem.

The First Zionist Congress was the event, which led to founding of the modern State of Israel 50 Years later.

The coin depicts the famous picture of Theodore Herzl leaning over the balcony of the Drei Konige Hotel, overlooking the Rhine.

The denomination, "1, 2 or 10" with the year of issue "5757/1997" and the word "Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic. The inscription: "Centennial of the First Zionist Congress - Basel 1897" in Hebrew and English. The State Emblem at the left. The Proof coins mintmarked with a Hebrew 'mem' at the bottom. The proof-like coin with a six pointed 'Star of David'.

Actual gold weight: 1/2 oz. encapsulated and housed in a custom display box from the Bank of Israel

Cat. No.	Denomination	Type	Diam.	Weight	Mintage	Price
A40	1 NIS Proof-like	Silver/.925	30mm	14.4 gr.	4,275	28.00
A40 a	2 NIS Proof	Silver/.925	38.7mm	28.8 gr.	4,021	45.00

Zionist Congress Silver Coin

Zionist Congress Silver Proof Coin

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 "Zionist Congress" 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 "Zionist Congress" coin at the bottom