The Nightingale and Fig

1996/5756

Israel's Sixth Coin in the "Holyland Wildlife" Series

"Behold, the autumn has passed, the rain has gone, blossoms are seen in the land, the time of the Nightingale has come, the voice of the turtledove is heard; the fig has formed its first fruit; the vines in blossom give forth fragrance". Song of Songs, 2, 11-13

These verses describe Springtime in the Holy Land, the end of the rains, the blossoming of the fruit and the Nightingale is about. Israel is located on the pathway of the flight of the nightingale from Europe to Africa. Especially during the spring, it is possible to hear their singing from amidst the shrubbery.

The fig is the first fruit to be mentioned in the Bible. It is one of the special "Seven Species" and from antiquity, it has been an important and inseparable element of the landscape of the Holy Land.

Coin Description

Front

A Nightingale with the inscription, "The time of the singing of Birds" (Song of Songs, 2,12) and the date "1996-5756" in Hebrew and English.

Reverse

A fig leaf with its fruit and the inscription, "The fig tree putteth forth her green figs" (Song of Songs, 2,13). The denomination "1, 2 or 5" with "New Sheqel" or "New Sheqalim". At the left, the State emblem. "Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic.

The proof coins are mintmarked with a Hebrew 'mem'. The proof-like silver coin is mintmarked with a 6 pointed star below the denomination.

NIS-New Israel Sheqalim

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 "Nightingale" coin below the denomination.

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 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 "Nightingale" coin below the denomination.

ASW: actual silver weight

Also, available:

The Silver Proof coin is also offered together with a First Day cover of the Israel Philatelic Service which has three stamps of the Palestine sunbird (from the "Singing Bird" Series). (PNC)

USA Toll free 800-913-9677

email: coins@commem.com

  Go to Page: "Holyland Wildlife" Series

  Go to order form

Our office address:

Commemoratives International, Ltd.

Hamden Center II

2321 Whitney Avenue, Suite 505

Hamden, CT 06518 USA

Telephone: 203-230-0221

Toll Free: 800-913-9677

FAX: 203-248-6628