Tourism Israels 45th Anniversary

45th Anniversary Tourism
Independence Day Coin, 1993-5753

Israel has a priceless "natural resource" - tourism. Tourism is the country's largest export. Income from tourism is higher than that from export of citrus fruits and even diamonds. The importance of tourism extends far beyond its economic benefits: Jewish tourism serves as a "living bridge" between Israel and the Diaspora, and creates links with the entire world. Tourism also plays an important role in diffusion of information and encourages aliya. Tourism development is a stimulus for national development of coastal areas, nature reserves, historic sites, and holy places. Development for incoming tourism enriches domestic tourism as well. The entire population enjoys the fruits of tourism: income, employment, and improvements in infrastructure.

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. Below the face value is the mint year, 1993. In the upper border is the Israel State Emblem, to its left the corresponding Hebrew mint year 5753 and to the right, the word "ISRAEL' in Hebrew, Arabic and English.

Reverse: The sun and a boat sailing on the sea, a hotel-room key with tag reading "Israel" in English and Hebrew, two archaeological motifs: a column typical of the end of the Second Temple period and a lintel from the synagogue at Bar'am.

Edge:
Silver Coins - "45th Anniversary of the State of Israel" in ancient Hebrew script
Gold Coin - milled

Mint Marks:
Silver B.U. Coin - Star of David (Beneath the face value)
Silver Proof and Gold Coin - Hebrew letter "Mem" (Beneath the face value)

Designer:
Eliezer Weishoff
Plaster models - Tidhar Dagan

Mint: Royal Dutch Mint