Balfour Declaration centenary marked with counterstamped coin

A counterstamped Canadian silver dollar issued by dealer Israel Lachovsky marks the 100th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration.

Israel Lachovsky, a coin dealer from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, has issued a counterstamped coin to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration, a World War I statement of British support for a national home for the Jewish people in what has since become Israel.

“I’ve partnered with another Canadian dealer, who has issued a number of counter strikes this year struck on Canada’s last circulating silver dollar,” Lachovsky said in an email to Numismatic News. “They produced counterstamps for Canada’s 150 anniversary, the Vimy Ridge battle and the 300th anniversary of the Freemasons.

“In the course of buying some of these for re-sale to my clients, the topic of the 100th anniversary of the Balfour Declaration came up, I came up with a design, which they have used to strike a Balfour Declaration 100th anniversary counterstamp coin.

“My coin is likely the first Canadian coin featuring Judaica (albeit after having been minted by the Mint!), and joins just a few Judaica themed medals and token issued in Canada. In consideration of my contribution to the project, and my association with the topic, my partners have added my initials to the coin and accorded me being the exclusive distributor for it.

The coin comes in a clam-shell box and a two-sided insert. One side details the declaration and the coin, and the other side features an image of the actual letter containing the declaration.

The piece is available for US$134.95 plus shipping. Issue limit is 300. For more information, email hombre071@gmail.com for more information.