The New Zealand Mint issues the Niue 2024 $2 1oz Silver Mickey Mouse Hanukkah Coin
From Menorahs to Mickey: Hanukkah coins featuring Disney characters, bridge tradition, culture, and collecting magic.
Modern mints and private organizations often issue Hanukkah-themed coins to commemorate the Jewish Festival of Lights and appeal to collectors who value cultural and religious symbolism.
The State of Israel has a well-documented tradition of issuing commemorative coins and medallions that celebrate Jewish holidays, including Hanukkah. Since the 1950s, Israel has produced Hanukkah coins, many of which feature designs of menorahs, dreidels, or historical references to the Maccabean Revolt, which inspired the holiday. These coins are typically struck in gold, silver, or base metals and are sold as collector pieces.
International mints, such as the New Zealand Mint (the issuer of the Niue coin), have increasingly tapped into cultural and holiday-themed numismatics. While these modern releases aren’t traditionally part of Jewish coinage, they reflect a broader trend of blending pop culture (like Disney) with meaningful cultural celebrations.
The 2024 Niue $2 1oz Silver Mickey Mouse Hanukkah Coin is a unique and festive addition to numismatic and Disney collections. Struck from one ounce of 99.9% pure silver, this officially licensed coin celebrates Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, with the beloved and iconic Disney character Mickey Mouse. The coin’s charming design depicts Mickey lighting the menorah, a heartwarming scene paying tribute to tradition while appealing to Disney lovers of all ages.
Issued as legal tender by Niue, a Pacific Island nation well-known for its collectible-themed coins, this release combines the joy of Disney and cultural significance. The coin’s reverse features the effigy of King Charles III, marking it as a timeless memento in an era of transition. Presented in official government packaging, it makes for a thoughtful gift or keepsake to commemorate the Hanukkah season. With its limited mintage, this coin stands out as a festive and collectible treasure, embodying Disney’s magic and the spirit of Hanukkah.
Hanukkah coins may not carry the same historical prominence as other commemorative numismatics, but they continue to grow in popularity as meaningful gifts and collectibles that celebrate Jewish culture and tradition.
You may also like:
Kele Johnson is the Editor of Kovels Antique Trader magazine and the Digital Content Editor of Active Interest Media's Collectibles Group. Her captivation with collectibles began at a young age while dusting her mother’s McCoy pottery collection. She admits to a fondness for mid-century ceramics, uranium glass, and ancient coin hoards. Kele has a degree in archaeology and has been researching, writing, and editing in the collectibles field for many years. Reach her at kelejohnson@aimmedia.com.
