One
of the most enchanting aspects of the modern state of Israel is the way it keeps
Jewish history alive. When one sees Jews praying in modern day Jerusalem, one
can imagine the Jews who prayed in the Holy Temple of Jerusalem over a thousand
years ago. When one sees a child playing soccor in the modern city of Ashkelon,
one can imagine children playing ball in the ancient city of Ashkelon over a thousand
years ago. When one goes to a concert in Ceasaria, one can imagine the people
who attended performances in the ancient city of Ceasaria over a thousand years
ago.
Even
taking out one's money to buy something in a store in Israel today can send one's
mind sailing back in time. When the new Israeli shekel (NIS) was created in 1985,
Jewish history greatly influenced the designs of the coins.
Images
of Israeli Coins
Origins
of Designs
One
Agora
Motif:
Ancient Galley
Origin of Motif: Coin issued by Herod Archelaus (4 B.C.E.
- 6 C.E.).
5
Agorot
Replica
of a coin from the fourth year of the war of the Jews against Rome depicting a
lulav between two etrogim
Ten
Agorot
Replica
of a coin issued by Mattathias Antigonus (37-40 B.C.E.) with the seven-branched
candelabrum
Half
Shekel (50 Agorot)
Motif:
Lyre
Origin of Motif: Ancient Hebrew seal with the inscription "Maadana,
the King's daughter".
One
Shekel
Motif:
Lily; "Yehud" in ancient Hebrew
Origin of Motif: A Judean coin
during the Persian period (6th-4th century B.C.E.).
Five
Shekels
Motif:
Capital of column
Origin of Motif: Typical capital of column from the
Israelite period (10th-7th century B.C.E.).
Ten
Shekels
Motif:
Palm tree with seven leaves and two baskets with dates; the words "for the
redemption of Zion" in ancient and modern Hebrew
Origin of Motif:
Ancient coin from 69 C.E., the fourth year of the Jewish-Roman war, one year before
the destruction of the Second Temple.
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