How to Identify the Israel 100 Sheqalim Hanukka Commemorative
A collector's guide to confirming the 1985 Israeli Hanukka silver coin by its menorah design, sheqalim denomination, script, and finish.
Read the full Israel 100 Sheqalim Hanukka Commemorative encyclopedia entry →
Begin with the theme. The obverse should show a menorah surrounded by festive Hanukka design elements. A branched lamp is the visual anchor of the whole Hanukka series, so a menorah as the dominant device is your first confirmation that you are looking at a Hanukka commemorative rather than a general Israeli coin.
Read the value side. The reverse carries the denomination and the inscription SHEQALIM, and should show the 1985 date. Confirm the unit reads in sheqalim, not new sheqels, agorot, or lirot, because that single word places the coin firmly in Israel's early-to-mid 1980s currency period. Hebrew is the primary script, usually with English present as well.
Check size, metal, and finish. This is a round silver commemorative of medium size, noticeably heavier and more lustrous than a base-metal circulation coin. Weigh it and inspect the surfaces: proof strikes have deep mirror fields with frosted, cameo-like devices, while uncirculated examples are satiny but still sharply detailed. Original examples often come with a mint case and certificate of authenticity, which help confirm the issue.
Rule out look-alikes within the series itself. Israel struck a new Hanukka design nearly every year and across several denominations, so the combination of the specific menorah design, the 100 Sheqalim denomination, and the 1985 date is what distinguishes this exact coin from its siblings. Do not rely on the menorah motif alone, since it appears throughout the series.
Authenticate with care. Because it is a precious-metal commemorative, verify weight and dimensions against the published standard for the issue and examine the strike under magnification for the crisp detail expected of an official mint product. Be wary of pieces that feel too light, show casting seams or bubbles, or have mushy lettering, and when in doubt consult a dealer familiar with Israeli and Judaica coinage.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know this is the 1985 issue and not another year?
Check the reverse for the date and read the denomination as 100 Sheqalim. Israel struck a new Hanukka design almost every year, so the date plus the sheqalim value pins the coin to its exact issue.
How can I tell the silver commemorative from an ordinary Israeli coin?
It is heavier, more lustrous, and carries a full Hanukka menorah design, unlike base-metal circulation coins. Proof surfaces with mirror fields and frosted devices are a strong sign of a collector commemorative.
What script and inscriptions should I expect?
Hebrew is the main script, typically alongside English. Look for the word SHEQALIM with the denomination on the value side and the menorah with festive elements on the design side.
What are the warning signs of a fake or reproduction?
Underweight pieces, casting seams or bubbles, dull or soft detail, and wrong dimensions are red flags. Compare against the published standard for the issue and seek an expert opinion if anything looks off.