Israel - Pair of “100 Years of Zionism” Medals 1997 - Silver .935, 46.52g Gross Weight, Approximately 43.5g Pure ...

Israel - Pair of “100 Years of Zionism” Medals 1997 - Silver .935, 46.52g Gross Weight, Approximately 43.5g Pure Silver (1.39 oz), 45 mm and Bronze Impressive pair of official Israeli State medals issued in 1997 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First Zionist Congress held in Basel in 1897 and the birth of modern political Zionism. The lot includes one silver medal and one matching bronze medal, accompanied by the original official certificate of authenticity issued by the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation. Obverse: Portrait of Theodor Herzl, founder of modern political Zionism, beside a Star of David containing the Lion of Judah. Around appears the inscription: “100 YEARS OF ZIONISM 1897-1997 - BASEL” in Hebrew and English. Reverse: Depiction of David Ben-Gurion proclaiming the establishment of the State of Israel beside the Declaration of Independence scroll. Around appears the inscription: “We hereby proclaim the Jewish State” in Hebrew and English. The medals commemorate Herzl’s vision and its fulfillment through the establishment of the State of Israel, linking the origins of political Zionism with Israel’s Declaration of Independence in 1948.