Israel (1961) 1/2 lira

Stack's Bowers February 2023 Collector's Choice sale, lot 73847

This specimen was lot 73847 in Stack's Bowers Collector's Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, February 2023), where it sold for $144. The catalog description^[1] noted, "ISRAEL. 1/2 Lira, JE 5721 (1961). Utrecht Mint. NGC PROOF-65. An elusive proof issue, this wholesome piece delivers shimmering reflectivity and much appealing charm throughout." Rapid inflation destroyed the value of the 1949 series and the coinage was reformed in 1960 to 100 agorot = one lira. This type of 1961-62 did not circulate and was extensively saved. A later half lira (KM 36.1, reduced weight) was struck 1963-79 and did circulate.

Recorded mintage: 19,959 plus 4,901 proofs.

Specification: copper-nickel, 30 mm diameter.

Catalog reference: KM-31.

Source:

• Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
• ^[1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, February 2023 World Collectors Choice Online Auction, featuring the David Sterling Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2023.

Link to:

• JE5720 (1960) agora
• 1960 5 lirot, Theodore Herzl, silver
• Israel 1960 20 lirot, Theodore Herzl, gold
• JE5721 (1961) agora
• JE5721 (1961) 10 agorot
• 1961 5 lirot, 13th anniversary of independence, bar mitzvah
• 1962 50 lirot, death of Chaim Weizmann
• 1962 100 lirot, death of Chaim Weizmann
• Coins and currency dated 1961