Israel State Medal - Liberation ND

Reverse

Within a circular incuse stands out a replica of a Roman coin issued by Vespasian commemorating his victory over Judea in the year 70 C.E. In the center of the coin, a palm tree having seven branches, bearing two clusters of fruit. (The palm tree was a well recognized symbol of Judea in those days and is to be found on many Hebrew coins). To the left of the tree stands the Emperor in full armor, on his left sits a Hebrew woman, mourning. Around the rim of the Roman coin the Latin inscription: "ludaea Capta" (Judaea Captive). Below, the initials that stand for the words: "By order of the Senate" (S.C.) Round the rim of the medal, chains symbolizing captivity and the Hebrew inscription "Judea in Captivity 3830" and in English: "Judaea Captive, 70 C.E.".

Lettering:
יהודה השביה ג׳תת׳׳ל
IVDEA CAPTA
SC
JUDAEA CAPTIVE 70 C.E.

Engravers: Gerd Rothschild, Zeev Lipman

Edge

The State emblem and the words "Israel" in Hebrew and English, "Sterling" in English and "Silver 935" in Hebrew.

Lettering: ISRAEL ישראל STERLING 935 כסף

Comment

The Liberation Medal issued in 1962 differs in many respects from the Liberation Medal issued in 1958.

The consequences of the great Judean Revolt against Rome which began in 66 CE. had a dire effect upon Jewish history. All the valor and the fierce fanaticism of the defenders could not withstand the onslaughts of the Roman legions stationed locally and later reinforced by two additional legions drawn from the Danube legion and the auxiliary forces recruited from the nearby provinces. The Temple was destroyed in 70 CE. and Titus celebrated his victory.
The Romans struck a special series of coins to commemorate the occasion known as the "Judea Capta" series, so named for the inscription on the coins "Judea in Captivity". The palm tree on the coins generally stands for Judea. At the side of the tree, a Jewish captive (a man or a woman), prizes of war, an image of the victorious Emperor, or other representatives.
The "Liberation" medal was first issued by Israel in 1958 in connection with its Tenth Anniversary. The State Medal depicts the contrast - the destruction of the Temple versus the renewal of Jewish Independence in our time. A Hebrew farmer planting a sapling in place of a Jewish captive hand bound; a jubilant Hebrew mother holding her infant aloft instead of the sorrowful Jewish woman weeping for the destruction of her homeland.

Price

Date	Mintage	VG	F	VF	XF	AU	UNC
ND (1962)	8946	-	-	-	-	-	-

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