Lag B’omer
Many are familiar with the story of the unique commemorative coin the Rebbe distributed at the Lag B’Omer Parade in 5750 (1990).
Just days earlier, on Pesach Sheini, the Rebbe asked his secretary, Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, about the possibility of minting a special coin for the occasion. Rabbi Krinsky immediately set to work, together with his son, Rabbi Hillel Dovid Krinsky, and his son-in-law, Rabbi Yosef B. Friedman, exploring every possible avenue.
That very evening, Rabbi Krinsky submitted a note: every company contacted responded that it cannot be done in this limited time.
The Rebbe’s response was unexpected—he took the responsibility upon himself, having not asked about this earlier.
For Rabbi Krinsky, this was simply not acceptable. They redoubled their efforts with urgency and determination. By Friday morning, they were able to report back: the coins would be ready and delivered to 770 on Sunday morning, with ample time before the parade.
On this second note, the Rebbe wrote:
ותנוח דעתו בעניניו כמו שעשה בנוגע לי בהנ”ל
“May you have peace of mind in your matters, just as you have done for me in this.”
On the morning of the parade, they personally presented a single coin to the Rebbe in a specially designed case.
Less well known is what followed.
A few weeks later, on Rosh Chodesh Sivan, Rabbi Krinsky presented the Rebbe with two additional coins—one of pure gold and one of pure silver. On the accompanying note, the Rebbe expressed his thanks and added:
שייך במיוחד לזמן מ”ת ביראת ה’ טהורה
“It is especially appropriate to the season of the Giving of the Torah, in pure awe of Hashem.”
The following Lag B’Omer, when a new coin was minted and distributed by the Rebbe, a gold version was produced as well.
Today, these coins are preserved in the archive of the Rebbe’s Library.
The full story: https://go.70years.com/Mint
