Knesset

This coin commemorates the 40th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the State of Israel. It displays David Ben Gurion speaking to the members of Parliament (Knesset).

The Knesset is the house of representatives of the State of Israel. It has 120 Members who are elected in general elections once every four years. The name "Knesset" is derived from the "Great Knesset" or "Great Assembly" which convened in Jerusalem after the return of the Jews to the Land of Israel from the Babylonian exile in the fifth century BCE. The policies of the Knesset were set by the Zionist Congress, which first convened in Basel in 1897, by the Assembly of Representatives (Assefat Hanivharim) of the Jewish community in 'Palestine Mandate' and influenced by the procedures and customs of the British Parliament.

The number "40" with a scene from the Proclamation of the State of Israel ceremony from within the Knesset. David Ben Gurion is standing with the national flags and a portrait of Theodor Herzl above. The inscription in Hebrew and English "Israel's 40th Anniversary."

The denomination "1, 2 or 10" from top to bottom with the date "1988/5748" in Hebrew and English around the rim. In the center, the official emblem of the State of Israel.

The uncirculated silver coin is mintmarked with a 6 pointed star below the State Emblem. The proof coins are mintmarked with a Hebrew 'mem'.

Cat. No.	Denomination	Type	Diameter	Weight	Mintage	Price
FR 30	10 NIS Proof	Gold/.900	30mm	17.28 grams	4,575	-

Cat. No.	Denomination	Type	Diameter	Weight	ASW	Mintage	Price
A 31	1 NIS Uncirculated	Silver/.850	30mm	14.4 grams	.3935 oz	8,990	20.00
A 31a	2 NIS Proof	Silver/.850	37mm	28.8 grams	.7870 oz	9,100	40.00

Uncirculated: A Mint State coin struck on a standard planchet. It will display a matte type finish. A small six pointed "Star of David" mintmark struck on the "Knesset" coin below the State Emblem.

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 "Knesset" coin below the State Emblem.

ASW: actual silver weight