Img. ID: 24382
The redemption coin is shaped like a Star of David, decorated with an interlaced open hand (hamsa) and fish on one side and an inscription on the other (fig. 1 and main photograph).
The inscription is engraved in Hebrew square letters in a zigzag line, and reads:
"שדי/ הילד הבין (הבן)/ הבכור/ משה ן' (בן) מרדכי/ חיון ס"ט (סופו טוב)/ יום יא' אלול/ שנת/ התרצ"ב."
"God Almighty (Shadai). The child, the elder son, Moses son of Mordechai Hayun, may his end be well. (Who was redeemed) on the 11th of Elul, the year 5692 (12.9.1932)."
Structure: cut
Decoration: engraved
Bonding: soldered
Inscription: engraved
Width: 70 mm
The hamsa and the fish are symbols used against evil eye, for good luck and fertility. These symbols are common in the island and are used as amulets (fig. 2). The Djerban Jews paint the external walls of a dwelling house with similar motifs to protect a newly-married couple and to wish them fertility (See: Sc.94(PC)-21).