From 1973 through 2017, AINA sent a free small medal each year to each paid-up member. There were several different reverse motifs used, all (except 1987 Morris Bram issue) featuring the AINA logo designed by Nat Sobel, who was also the first editor of The Shekel. The early issues mimicked the Season’s Greetings medals sent annually by the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation to subscribers. Later, medals featured designs from Israel coins and medals, ancient Judaean coins, and many that were unique to the AINA Membership medals.
There are some interesting anomalies—only in 1979, “IGCMC Building” medals were issued both for AINA members and members of Israel Numismatic Clubs; 1995-1996 “Jerusalem 3000 Years” medals were issued in both brass and copper-nickel; two different medals (“First Jewish Settlers in America 1654-2004” and “Simon Bar Kochba Coin 132-135 CE”) were dated 2004; the 2006 “Financial Security” medal is the only one without a date; and no medal is dated 2008.
Many of these medals were thrown into drawers and not properly stored. There are probably relatively few complete collections in existence, and trying to assemble a complete collection today could be quite challenging—but very worthwhile.
