Archaeology

Archaeology
Independence Day Coin, 1990/5750, 42nd Anniversary

Archaeological research has prospered since the creation of the State of Israel, making giant strides in increasing knowledge of the ancient Land of Israel. Archaeological surveys have covered much of Israel's territory and archaeological excavations have uncovered settlement remains stretching over thousands of years. The many finds have shed new light on the beginnings of agriculture, urbanization, ancient trade, settlement of the Tribes of Israel and the first kings, the Assyrian and Babylonian conquests, and the return from the Babylonian exile. New research institutions have been formed and museums have opened across the country. Scientific publication forms a vital part of this research.

Obverse: Face value in Hebrew and English, "1 New Sheqel" on the Silver B.U. Coin, "2 New Sheqalim" on the Silver Proof Coin; "10 New Sheqalim" on the Gold Coin, left of the face value, the Israel State Emblem, in the upper left-hand border, the word "ISRAEL" in Hebrew, Arabic and English and mint year, 1990 / 5750.

Reverse: Ancient Hebrew abecedary from the Lachish inscriptions, marking the Year of the Hebrew Language, relief of a wall from an ancient synagogue in Ashkelon and hewn stones from the Herodian period.

Edge:
Silver Coins - "42nd anniversary of the State of Israel" in ancient Hebrew script.
Gold coin - milled.

Mint Marks:
Silver B.U. Coin - Star of David (Beneath the Israel State Emblem)
Silver and Gold Proof Coins - Hebrew letter "Mem" (Beneath the Israel State Emblem)

Designer:
Obverse - Ruben Nutels
Reverse - Ehud Shafrir
Engraving - Tidhar Dagan

Mint:
Silver B.U. and Proof Coins - Stuttgart Mint.
Gold Coin - Monnaie de Paris