BROOKLYN (VINnews) — A limited-edition silver coin featuring the image of the Lubavitcher Rebbe has been issued to commemorate 75 years since the Rebbe formally assumed the leadership of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement.
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The commemorative coin was produced by Collect 2 Connect in cooperation with the Government of Niue and New Zealand. Organizers say it is the first legal-tender coin ever issued bearing the Rebbe’s portrait.
The project, titled “Spreading the Light,” was created to reflect the Rebbe’s worldwide mission of bringing Torah, mitzvos and Jewish life to communities across the globe through the work of thousands of Chabad shluchim.
Each coin is struck from one troy ounce of .999 fine silver and carries an official denomination of one Niue dollar. Although its face value is symbolic, its designation makes the coin official legal tender issued under the authority of the Pacific island nation.
One side of the coin displays a high-relief portrait of the Rebbe surrounded by the words “Bracha V’Hatzlacha,” or “Blessings and Success,” in several languages. The phrase was closely associated with the Rebbe, who frequently offered the blessing to those seeking his guidance.
The reverse features the iconic Chabad-Lubavitch headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn. Beneath the building is an eight-branched menorah radiating beams of light across the world, representing the continued work of the Rebbe’s shluchim and the dissemination of Torah and Chassidus.
The coin was designed by internationally recognized Italian medal and coin artist Sandra Deiana, whose work has appeared on commemorative pieces produced for several international mints.
According to the project’s organizers, rabbinic guidance was consulted during the coin’s development.
The coin also contains a distinctive physical connection to the Rebbe. A dime that had previously been distributed by the Rebbe for tzedakah was melted into the silver used during production, meaning that a portion of the original coin was incorporated into the commemorative minting.
“We wanted to create something that would not only mark 75 years of the Rebbe’s nesius, but would also capture the Rebbe’s message and mission,” the organizers said. “The theme of ‘Spreading the Light’ reflects the Rebbe’s call to bring the light of Torah and mitzvos to every corner of the world.”
Only 5,786 coins were minted, corresponding to the Hebrew year 5786. The limited production is expected to make the release particularly sought after among Chabad chassidim, shluchim and Judaica collectors.
The Rebbe formally accepted the leadership of Chabad-Lubavitch on Yud Shevat 5711, one year after the passing of his father-in-law and predecessor, the Previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn.
During the following decades, the Rebbe transformed Chabad into a worldwide Jewish movement, sending emissaries to establish Jewish institutions, schools, synagogues and Chabad Houses in communities around the globe.
The commemorative coin is being offered through the Collect 2 Connect website.
This is a private business and has no affiliation with Chabad Lubavitch.
Sadly, many try to profit off Gedolei Yisroel and this seems to be the case here.
What’s the connection?
This and a token won’t get me on the subway.
Isn’t it assume to make an image of a person sticking out on a coin?
They melted a US dime for this. I wonder if thats legal.