Goldberg Coins to auction major Holy Land Judaica collection in October 2026

Goldberg Coins & Collectibles will auction what it calls the largest private collection ever assembled of items issued by Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation on Oct. 19-20, 2026, in Los Angeles. The sale features more than 1,000 coins plus medals, Bibles and Holy Land books, with standout rarities including a one-of-10 1960 Israel 1 agora pattern coin and a unique Shekel Prize Medal.

Why it matters: - The sale puts one of the largest Judaica and Holy Land numismatic collections ever assembled into the market. - The collection includes high-end rarities, broad topical material and lower-priced lots, which widens access for both advanced collectors and general buyers. - The auction also offers a benchmark for rare Israel coins and medals, including pieces in top known condition.

What happened: - Goldberg Coins & Collectibles will auction the collection on Oct. 19 and 20, 2026, in Los Angeles. - Bidding will be available online. - The auction will run in three sessions for more than 1,000 coins. - A fourth session will include medals, Bibles and other Holy Land-related books. - The collection weighs about 1,000 pounds and was shipped to California in about 50 boxes and sturdy containers. - The collection was assembled by a private collector in Kansas who was born in Israel and wants to remain anonymous.

The details: - The sale is being described as “The Holy Land Sale of the Century.” - The collection centers on items issued by the Israel Government Coins and Medals Corporation. - The corporation was established in 1958 by Prime Minister Ben Gurion to commemorate milestones in the State of Israel and achievements in culture, science and art. - Ira Goldberg, co-owner of Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, said the collector has been gathering everything produced by the corporation for more than 50 years. - The collection includes medals and associated items, including many limited editions and individually numbered pieces. - Mel Wacks, who is cataloging the collection, is an internationally recognized expert and award-winning author, and a co-founder of the American Israel Numismatic Association and the Biblical Numismatic Society. - Wacks said the coins and medals are in pristine condition, and many gold coins rank among the two or three finest known examples. - Wacks also said the auction includes material at many price points, including lots valued under $100. - Topical themes range from Bible quotes and Biblical scenes to tanks, ships and art imagery. - Several medals feature colored silkscreens of works by Rembrandt, Modigliani and other artists. - Large bronze medal lots are expected to start under $100 for groups of 16 different pieces. - Printed catalogs for the Holy Land collection are available for $25 postpaid while supplies last. - The auction lots are available online at Goldberg Coins. - Additional information is available by calling Goldberg Coin & Collectibles at 800-978-2646.

Between the lines: - The collection mixes trophy items with accessible lots, which suggests the sale is aimed at both serious specialists and broader collectors. - The emphasis on Israel history, religious imagery and fine art motifs shows how Judaica numismatics can bridge historical collecting and decorative appeal. - The presence of multiple rarity highlights points to a catalog designed to draw attention beyond the headline total of more than 1,000 lots.

What's next: - Cataloging and online bidding will continue ahead of the Oct. 19-20 sale. - Buyers will be able to pursue individual coins, grouped lots and the separate medals-and-books session. - Interest is likely to concentrate on the rarest coins and the unique presentation pieces as the auction approaches.

The bottom line: - Goldberg Coins is bringing a landmark Israel-themed collection to auction, with museum-grade rarities, historical breadth and enough lower-priced material to draw a wide buyer pool.