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"Hero in Battle" 1961/5722

Maccabean Hero Hanukka Coin

Israel's Fourth Hanukka Coin


This is the fourth coin issued by the Bank of Israel to commemorate the Hanukka Festival and the Heroism of Eleazar Horan, the brother of Judah Maccabeus in the battle of Zahariya, 162 BCE.

In Jewish history it tells us that, Hanukkah, which means dedication, is a celebration of victory over oppression. An eight-day festival, it commemorates the historic victory of the Maccabeus family over the Syrian tyrant, King Antiochus. The King who, after conquering Jerusalem, sacrificed a pig on the altar, and put to death any Jew who dared to observe the Laws of the Torah.

Judah Maccabeus, the son of Mattathias, a Hasmonean priest, in the 2nd century B.C., lead a revolt against Antiochus and his Hellenistic oppression. Judah led an outnumbered army to a victory over the Syrians. The Maccabees re-entered Jerusalem and re-dedicated the Temple.

In honor of this victory, the eight day festival of lights. Eleazer, the Hasmonean Hero is celebrated as a symbol of religious freedom and national liberation.


Description of the Coin

Front

An elephant carrying soldiers of King Antiochus. Eleazar below holding a sword. The Proof coin is struck with a small Hebrew 'mem' next to the image of Eleazar Horan.

Reverse

The image of a burning torch with the Hebrew inscription, "1 Israel Lira." The year of issue "5722-1961", below "Israel" in Hebrew and Arabic. The legend in Hebrew, "And he gave up his soul in battle".


Cat. No. Denomination Type Diameter Weight Mintage Price
H 4 1 Lira Unc. Copper-nickel 32mm 14 grams 18,839 5.00
H 4a 1 Lira Proof Copper-nickel 32mm 14 grams 9,364 8.00


Maccabean Hero Hanukka Coin Maccabean Hero Hanukka Coin

Maccabean Hero Hanukka Proof Coin Maccabean Hero Hanukka Proof Coin


Uncirculated: A Mint State coin struck on a standard quality planchet. The coin displays a matte type appearance.

Proof: A coin which was made with special care. The coins are struck with extra pressure using polished dies. The planchets are specially selected and polished. The coins exhibit a smooth and neater surface in the fields and a frosted appearance on the raised points of the coin. A higher quality strike. A small Hebrew 'mem' mintmark below the elephant.


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