Doar Ivri (Hebrew Post), 3 mil

Israel · 1948 · 3 mil

This stamp, the first issued by the new state of Israel, features an ancient Judean coin from the First Jewish-Roman War (66-73 CE). The coin depicts a lulav (a closed frond of the date palm) flanked by two etrogs (citrons), symbols associated with the Jewish festival of Sukkot. The design, by Otte Wallish, connects the modern state to its ancient roots.

Issued on May 16, 1948, just two days after Israel's Declaration of Independence, the Doar Ivri series marks the establishment of the nation's postal service. These stamps were prepared in secrecy by the provisional government before the British Mandate ended.