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Another interesting theme, for which there are a number of candidates, in coinage coins and medals .The first such appearance is the depletion of a ‡ shekel from the First Revolt (66-70 C.E.) on the 1961 and 1962 1/2-lira commemoratives. Ancient shekels from the same period also can be found on the Pidyon Haben (Redemption of the First born Son") coins minted from 1973 to 1975. The "menorah" coin issued by the last Maccabean king, Antigonus Mattathias (c. 37 B.C.E.), and a. bronze coin of the First Revolt (69 C.E.) have been reproduced since 1984 on two of Israel's trade coins, while a First Revolt 1/2 shekel is shown on the 1984 "Ceremonial Half Shekel" state medal. An entire medallic series of "ancient city" coins issued in 1965 depicts coinage of Ashkelon, Acre, Tiberias, Beilt She'an, Avdat, Caesarea, Jaffa, Lod and Jerusalem. And last, but not least, five different coins of the Palestine Mandate and the State of Israel are illustrated on the 1985 "Israel Discount Bank" official award medal.
The themes of peace and brotherhood are well represented on Israel's numismatic issues, such as this 1969 "Shalom-Peace" silver Independence Anniversary commemorative coin.

An ancient ‡ shekel minted in 68/69 C.E., appears in a modern ‡-lira commemorative coin issued in 1961

Finally, in the hope of a better future, let's explore the numismatic themes of peace and brotherhood. We can start with the 1969 "Shalom Peace" commemorative coins, continue with the 1977 "Brotherhood in Jerusalem" independence anniversary coin, and the silver and gold' 1980 ''Peace'''' coins honoring the historic Israel-Egypt peace treaty (Egypt also issued a coin commemorating this treaty that could be included in a display featuring the Peace coins). Israel state medals continue this theme with the 1965 "Righteous among Gentiles" honoring Holocaust heroes, the 1967 "Israel-Canada Friendship," the 1976 "Iraqi-Jewish Cultural Center," the 1979 "Israel-Mexico Coin Exhibition," the 1985 "Go in Peace and Return in Peace," and the 1985 "Christian Broadcasting Network" medal that depicts a Moslem, Christian and Jew embracing, surrounded by the inscription "Bringing a message of peace and hope to the Middle East."

Interesting displays of these pieces might include props such as an open Bible plus coins and medals featuring Biblical quotations; a flower or animal with its numismatic counterpart; or illustrations of ancient ships with corresponding numismatic topics. Exhibits can show just one coin, medal or bank note, or a group of numismatic items focusing on a single theme. It is easy to find inexpensive pieces at many coin shows or from dealers who specialize in Israeli material. You can locate all of the pertinent information about each piece-year of issue, mintage, mint, size, weight, metal content, designer and historic significance-in the standard reference Israel's Money and Medals by Sylvia Haffner Magnus (available through the ANA library), and you can dig deeper into any subject in the Encyclopedia judaica, found at most public libraries.

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