Megiddo

Megiddo - the very name of this ancient fortress-city evokes images of war and redemption. Located on the Via Maris, the road linking Egypt and Mesopotamia, Megiddo was a target for conquest in all ages Archaeological excavations at Megiddo began in 1903. Since then remains of 20 cities built one over the other have been uncovered. The first of these was founded some 5,500 years ago and the latest was destroyed ca. 450 BCE. The prophetess Deborah and Barak son of Avinoam led the Israelite army to victory against a Canaanite army led by Sisera and equipped with 900 iron chariots (Judges 5:19). The prophet Zechariah mentions Megiddo as a symbol of battles preceding the redemption (Zech. 12:11).

Obverse
Replica of seal-impression of a seal from the period of the Israelite Kingdom found at Megiddo in 1904 and now in a museum in Istanbul. Depicts a lion and bears the Hebrew inscription "Shema servant of Jeroboam" in ancient Hebrew letters. Above the replica, the word "Megiddo" in Hebrew and below, "ARMAGEDDON" in English.

Reverse
Depiction of a Canaanite war-chariot such as those used by Sisera against the Israelites, with the biblical passage "THEY TRUSTED IN CHARIOTS AND HORSES" and source, "PSALMS", in Hebrew above and in English below.

Edgs
Silver medal - State emblem, words "State of Israel" in Hebrew on right, in English on left with "Silver 935" in Hebrew and English and serial number. Gold medal - milled.


Design
Ruben Nutels (based upon a proposal by Martin Weiss, Los Angeles).

Engraving
Kretschmer.


Mint
Silver - The Government Mint.
Gold - Kretschmer.


Technical specifications of the medal