Bidspirit auction | Israel – 10 Pruta 1949

Israel – 10 Pruta 1949 – ”With Pearl” – PCGS PR (PROOF) 67 RB – RARE - Very high grading, mintage only 20,000 units, but according to the grading company, there are only 40 units that have been graded, as the remaining coins have been put into circulation and it is no longer possible to distinguish them from this type of coin. The King’s Norton Mint in Birmingham, England, was one of the most important private mints operating during the 19th and the first half of the 20th century. The mint produced coins, medals, and tokens for British colonies and many other nations around the world, and was renowned for its high striking quality and exceptional precision. The coins struck in Proof finish were made in very limited quantities, usually for internal testing, presentation, or official display. These coins feature brilliant, sharp, and highly detailed surfaces, and are considered extremely rare today due to their exceptional quality and historical significance. After the mint’s closure, the remaining coins - including several Israeli issues - were sent to the PCGS grading company for preservation and authentication, since once such coins show wear, it becomes impossible to identify their origin or distinguish them from regular circulation strikes. According to PCGS data, only a few dozen examples of each type have survived, making them exceptionally rare and highly sought after in the world of numismatics. In 1949, following the establishment of the State of Israel, the government issued coins designed by Leo Kadman, Hanan Pavel, and Uta Wallisch, which were approved by Finance Minister Eliezer Kaplan. Front: The obverse features the inscription ”10 Pruta” along with the year of issue in Hebrew, surrounded by two elegant olive branches, a symbol of peace and prosperity. Back: The reverse side showcases an urn with two handles, referencing the Bar-Kochba coin (135 – 132 BC), an important piece in Jewish numismatic history. The word ”Israel” is inscribed in both Hebrew and Arabic, reflecting the nation’s multicultural heritage. Metal: The coin is struck in Bronze, giving it a distinct feel and durability. Diameter: 20 mm Weight: 2.8 grams