Bidspirit auction | Israel - 10 Agorot 1961

Israel - 10 Agorot 1961 - “With Patha” Variety - PCGS MS 65 - A rare and intriguing variety of the 10 Agorot coin from 1961, known among collectors as the “With Patha” type. On the reverse, in the Arabic inscription of the word “Israel, ” a small Patha mark (-َ) appears above one of the letters R a detail that was later removed from the official design. It could be a die break or mint with a different die. It is believed that the mint authorities disapproved of this version and ordered all subsequent coins to be struck without the Hamza mark. However, a very small number of pieces bearing the Hamza were released into circulation, making this variety highly sought after by advanced collectors. The present coin is one of very few known examples preserved in mint state, graded PCGS MS 65 – a superb and rare specimen, essential for any top-tier collection of Israeli coinage. Obverse: The words “10 Agorot” and the year of issue in Hebrew. Reverse: A date palm tree, with the word “Israel” in Hebrew and Arabic – the Arabic inscription featuring the rare Hamza mark.