My next question: Israel 25 Mils 1949 "straight leaves".
TomV
Posts: 17 ✭✭
In the third edition of the Haffner catalogue, she mentions a variety of the 25 Mils, 1949 (closed link), with "straight leaves". It is about the leaves on either side of the link at the bottom of the reverse: they are 'open and "straight" ', see scan:
On Sheqel.info, however, there is also a "straight-cut leaves" variety of the the 1949 25 Mils, but this is total different. It is about the top leaves of the wreath of the 25 Mils, striken at Holon.
This alone is odd, because in the comments it says: 'The balance of 5708/1948-dated coins was minted at the Michsaf cutlery factory in Holon, a fact which is well documented. Michsaf also minted a large quantity of coins dated 5709/1949, probably the "Open link" variety.'
The picture of the variety, however, is the "Closed link" variety (small dots!), see picture from Sheqel.info (http://sheqel.info/2-2.htm):
Left: Regular curved leaves. Right: (IV) Straight-cut leaves.
Are there two different 'Straight leaves' varieties of the 25 Mils, 1949 'Closed link'?
Best regards,
Tom.
Comments
Let's start from the end: there aren't two versions of "straight cut leaves", there is only one.
While this obscure variety is documented in both Haffner and Kagan, I'm not sure any collector alive today really knows what they meant or how to recognize the variety. I've never seen any such coin offered for sale in any public auction, it's not recognized by any TPG, and there's no online reference that gives any meaningful information.
I do know one local expert who claims to know what this is about, so I sent him an e-mail asking about it. If he answers, I'll post his answer here. I've also been told by one collector that he cherrypicked an unattributed "straight leaves" coin on eBay. Somehow I personally am not very excited about this coin type. I prefer my varieties to be a little less hidden.
OK, I got a reply from the expert. As I've said, there's one type of straight-leaves variety, it's a sub-species of "closed link" type. There are differences both on the top and the bottom of the coin, although the bigger difference is the one on the bottom.
Many thanks desslok! These are far better pictures than Haffner/Kagan. Now I really know where to look for.
Tom.
I have the set of 1948-1948 25 Mils which I have been looking to upgrade. Tough issue!
https://coins.collectors-society.com/WCM/CoinCustomSetView.aspx?s=1511
That '48 25 Mil is a gem.
They don't come that nice - rare to see this 1st year of issue, in aluminum with such clean fields.
TomV why don't you try out some coin watering holes/clubs in the Tel-Aviv area? Two decades ago I know they existed.
@marcmoish: well, first of all I live in the Netherlands and then, I don't speak Hebrew. I tried to find English speaking forums in Israel, with no result.
I must say I am very happy I found this forum with some members having good knowledge on the subject.
Oops sorry, thought you live in Israel.
Now I get all the questions - carry on - yes sir, you in a good place indeed