WASHINGTON — Israeli President Shimon Peres received a Congressional Gold Medal today during a ceremony in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.
The medal, designed and struck by the United States Mint, recognizes and honors President Peres for maintaining strong bilateral relations between Israel and the United States. This is the first Congressional Gold Medal to be awarded to a sitting President of Israel.
Shimon Peres was born in Poland in 1923 and went on to serve in numerous high–level cabinet positions and ministerial posts in Israel, including head of the Israeli Navy, Minister of Defense, Foreign Minister, Prime Minister, and President. He has honorably served Israel for more than 70 years, during which he has significantly contributed to United States interests and has played a pivotal role in forging the strong and unbreakable bond between the two countries.
The medal’s obverse (heads side) is by United States Mint Sculptor–Engraver Don Everhart and features a portrait of Israeli President Shimon Peres with a flag of Israel in the background. The inscription is “SHIMON PERES.” The medal’s reverse (tails side), by United States Mint Sculptor–Engraver Joseph Menna, depicts a dove symbolizing peace with the inscriptions “YOU ARE AS GREAT AS THE CAUSE YOU SERVE,” and “ACT OF CONGRESS 2014.”
Public Law 113–114, which requires the United States Mint to strike the Congressional Gold Medal for President Shimon Peres, also authorizes the bureau to strike and sell bronze reproductions of the medal. The bureau began accepting orders for the three–inch medal today via its online catalog at http://www.usmint.gov/catalog. Orders also will be accepted at 1–800–USA–MINT (872–6468), while hearing– and speech–impaired customers with TTY equipment may call 1–888–321–MINT (6468). The three–inch medal (product code CQ4) is priced at $39.95 each. The 1.5–inch medal (product code CQ5) will be available at a later date and will be priced at $6.95.
About the United States Mint
The United States Mint was created by Congress in 1792 and became part of the Department of the Treasury in 1873. It is the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also produces numismatic products, including proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver and gold bullion coins. The United States Mint’s numismatic programs are self–sustaining and operate at no cost to the taxpayer.