Israel - Medal, Liberated Israel 1958 - Silver, 30 g, 38 mm Even though the official IGCMC-issued ...

Israel - Medal, Liberated Israel 1958 - Silver, 30 g, 38 mm Even though the official IGCMC-issued "Liberation I" medal, is considered to be Israel's first Government-issued State medal, Israel's real first medal was most probably minted slightly prior to the establishment of the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation, also celebrating Israel's Tenth Anniversary of Independence 1948-1958. This medal was issued by the Tenth Anniversary World Committee and its design differs distinctly from the Government-issued "Liberation I" medal. This first medal, a precursor to Israel's State medals, lacks the words "State of Israel" and the State emblem on its edge, and its edge inscription reads: ISRAEL GOVERNMENT APPROVED ISSUE 1948-1958. The obverse shows an Israeli worker holding a hoe over his right shoulder, and a woman carrying a sheaf of corn, both standing under a seven-branched palm tree with two clusters of fruit. The text around the rim reads "A decade of freedom for Israel 5718 [1958]". In contrast to the Liberation I medal, the word "Jerusalem" is added below the palm tree. The reverse depicts a Roman coin struck by Emperor Vespasian in 71 AD on the occasion of the conquest of Judea. On the left stands Vespasian the victor and on the right a mourning Hebrew sits under a palm tree. The text on the Roman coin reads IVDAEA CAPTA (Judea captured). The letters S.C. stand for "Senatus Consultum" (by order of the Senate). The Hebrew text near the rim reads "Judea in exile 3830 [70 AD]". To the left and right are chains, symbolizing captivity and bondage.