Ancient Hebrew Ship

Ancient Hebrew Ship
Special Coin Issue, 5745/1985

The seal of Oniyahu, an ancient Hebrew seal from the First Temple period, 8th Century B.C.E., belonged to Oniyahu, son of Meirav, who chose a Tarshish ship as the central motif for his seal . This rare historical finding commemorates the time when the Jewish people were well skilled in the art of seafaring. Jews who dwelled on the coast learned the skill from the Phoenicians and King Solomon's Tarshish ships went out to sea from Etzion Gever to Africa.

The vessel depicted on the Onihayu seal is a superb example of an Israelite Tarshish sailing ship from the First Temple period. While its dimensions are very small, its carving shows minute detail in the ship, which is surprisingly similar to sailing vessels of our time. Its high bow culminates in the shape of an animal's head, its stern holds the steering oar and its mast and sail are in the center. Along its length is a row of round shields.

When the glorious age of King Solomon came to an end, the kingdom was divided. Ships built by Jehoshafat were smashed down, even before they sailed, and the people of Israel were exiled. Upon return from exile, two millennia later, our ancient maritime tradition was well revived. Today, Israel has an excellent modern Navy and merchant fleet. Oniyahu's seal is no longer just a reminder of a glorious past but also a symbol of rebirth and renewal.

Obverse: Face value: 1 Sheqel, Emblem of the State of Israel, Mint Year 1985 - 5745.

Reverse: Sailing vessel from the time of King Solomon, the motif having been taken from an ancient Hebrew seal which belonged to "Onihayu BenMairav", the word "Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic.

Edge: Smooth

Mint Marks: On the obverse, a Star of David

Designer: Ze'ev Lipman

Mint: Mint of Stuttgart