Judaica / Zionism - England, Silver Pidyon Haben Coins - Priestly Blessing, 1955

Judaica / Zionism - England, Silver Pidyon Haben Coins - Priestly Blessing, 1955 Two special silver coins issued in England in 1955 for use in the Jewish Pidyon Haben (redemption of the firstborn) ceremony. These are “Dvir Coins” traditionally used by Jewish communities in England during actual Pidyon Haben rituals. The design incorporates classical motifs of the Priestly Blessing together with traditional halachic inscriptions. Obverse: Embossed depiction of the priestly hands in the traditional Kohanic position. Around the border appears the full Hebrew text of the Priestly Blessing: "May the Lord bless you and guard you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up His countenance to you and grant you peace." Reverse: Hebrew inscription: "Every firstborn of your sons you shall redeem". Center: "One silver shekel, Dvir Coin". Bottom: "According to the valuation of five shekels". The two coins share the same design but differ in weight. Right: Weight: 20.733 g Diameter: 35 mm Left: Weight: 16.406 g Diameter: 35 mm