Question: Danny Kaye Collection, 1958 Israel 5 LIR coin

 Posted 02/20/2012  6:51 pm

Hello,

I am seeking information on a 1958 Israel 5 Lirot silver coin (MS66) that my elderly mother purchased in 2005.
I can find little information on this specific piece.
According to the documentation, the coin is from the estate of Danny Kaye.
Reportedly only 1000 coins were struck and only 363 have been certified graded and encapsulated by the PCGS.
The coins were reportedly given to Danny Kaye by the Israel government as a reward for his work with Unicef.
Reportedly, the coin is not a proof but reportedly struck on Proof dies with a higher quality than normal uncirculated coins.
According to the documentation these coins were classed as MS65 to MS67 condition.
The coin appears shinny but not perfect, denomination and Hebrew and Arabic writing on the front.
A modern art menorah is embossed on the back. Both sides of the coin are concave.

From what I can tell, typical specimens of this coin appear to be valued between $30 to $50 US primarily based on its silver content.

I have found one retail source $425.00US value (villagecoin.com)
The coin is housed in a sealed, intact, clear PCGS plastic container with the following information printed on the label:
PCGS
1958 MNRA 5 LIR
MS66
Israel 4272539
From Danny Kaye Estate
Specimen Coin #364/363

My index of suspicion is high regarding the Specimen Coin number, #364/363. If only 363 specimines exist, how does this one merit the designation of #364/363. So do I have something of value or a red-hering?

I would really appreciate it if anyone could direct me to a source who may know something of this reportedly "rare" coin and assist me in appraising its value.

Thanks in advance,

Mike Bloh
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