A Historic Commemorative Coin of the Holy Rebbe Yeshaya Steiner of Kerestir. Minted in New Zealand, 2024 2 oz. pure silver Limited edition of 700 pieces.
This commemorative coin marks only the third time in years that an official currency has been produced in honor of a great Torah sage. The first such coin was struck in commemoration of the Chasam Sofer; the second, in tribute to the Vilna Gaon. Now, for the centennial of his passing, the third has been minted in honor of the holy Rebbe Yeshaya Steiner of Kerestir (known affectionately as “R’ Shayele”), one of the most beloved Chassidic leaders of the modern era.
Unlike its predecessors, however, this commemorative coin is not merely symbolic. It embodies a tangible connection to the tzaddik himself: incorporated into the silver are two sacred elements directly linked to R’ Shayele—
Silver from a spoon used by the Rebbe himself, with which he distributed shirayim at his holy table in Kerestir.
Fragments of the famous “Hei Amulet” (קמע הה”א), long renowned as a segulah for safety and raising children easily in Torah, Chupah and Good deeds for hundreds of years.
The origins of the ' ה amulet reach back hundreds of years and especially in the Kerstirer dynasty, as we know Kerestirer Rebetzin who melted down her grandfathers silver spoons and fashioned amulets engraved with the Hebrew letter “ה.” These were distributed to couples praying for children and to parents seeking divine assistance in raising their families in the ways of Torah. Generations later, pieces of these very amulets, along with a spoon from R’ Shayele’s table, were melted together and fused into this coin—creating a direct, physical continuity with the tzaddik.
As our sages teach us as a phrase, “the legs of the vessels are as the legs of their owners” (רגלי הכלים כרגלי הבעלים)—objects once used by a tzaddik retain his sanctity. Thus, this coin is not only a commemorative item but also a vessel infused with blessing.
From the Official Pamphlet Accompanying the Coin:
“Now – on the eve of the holy yahrzeit, marking one hundred years since his ascent to the heavens, we present to you a blessing: an important and precious coin upon which his sacred likeness is engraved. It is well-known that this image has the power to drive away harm and to draw down unending blessing and holy abundance from on high. This blessing coin is struck in .999 pure silver and bears a royal seal of the Niue Mint, established according to the law of the land (dina d’malchuta). Also fused into the silver of the coin are sacred amulets (kamiyot), the same that righteous leaders and holy men, among them the Rebbes of the Kerestir dynasty, gave to their followers for generations… In addition, within the coin are incorporated fragments of silver from the holy spoon that belonged to the righteous Rebbe Yeshaya of Kerestir…”
Born in 1852 in Zbariv to Moshe and Hentshe Miriam Steiner, young Yeshaya lost his father early and was sent to serve the holy Rebbe Tzvi Hirsch of Liska. Remaining constantly by his master’s side, he absorbed his saintliness and humility. After the Liska Rebbe’s passing, the great leaders of the generation—including Rabbi Mordechai of Nadvorna and Rabbi Chaim of Sanz—ordained R’ Shayele to lead the Jewish people.
For the next fifty years, he illuminated Hungary and beyond from his home in Kerestir. His table was famed for its endless hospitality, where hundreds were fed from small bowls that miraculously never emptied. Known as the “Csodarabbi” (Wonder Rebbe), he clothed the poor, married off orphans, and welcomed all with warmth. Tens of thousands flocked to him for blessing and salvation; his prayers were sought not only by Jews but even by gentiles who recognized his power of intercession.
He passed away on the 3rd of Iyar 5685 (1925), and his resting place became a center of pilgrimage. His son, Rebbe Avraham Steiner, continued in his path, and to this day his descendants uphold his legacy of chesed and holiness.
The Commissioning of the Coin:
This remarkable coin was conceived by Rabbi Chananya Grosz, a grandson of R’ Shayele himself. The sacred amulet and spoon were preserved in his family for generations. On the eve of the 100th yahrzeit, R’ Chananya sought to create a lasting memorial that would not only commemorate his grandfather but also extend his blessings into the modern world and for generations to come עד ביאת גואל צדק.
Drawing on his expertise as a researcher ancient coins and historical medals, (Author of עמודי כסף) R’ Chananya pursued the idea of producing a true currency—a legal tender coin (מטבע היוצא), much like the historic Jewish coins...
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