Kidron Valley

The Kidron Valley
Sites in the Holy Land Coin, 1984/5745

The Kidron Valley or the Valley of Jehoshaphat, also known as the Valley of Fire, forms the gentle slope between the Temple Mount and the City of David, the spot where Jerusalem was first inhabited, and the Mount of Olives. Since biblical days and the realm of King David, the Kidron Valley has played a major role in Jerusalem's history. The scenery in and around this valley offers a stunning glimpse of ancient Jerusalem, for the Kidron Valley remains almost totally untouched by modern development.
Among the few structures are four sepulchres - the Kidron Valley Monuments. These are Absalom's Pillar ("And Absalom erected a pillar for himself - II Samuel 18:18); The Cave of Jehoshaphat, adjoining Absalom's Pillar, which is known in the Bible as the future site of the Judgement Against Nations; The Sons of Hezir Tomb, also known as the Grotto of St. James; and The Pyramids of Zecharia.

Obverse: The Face Value - 5 Sheqalim on the Gold Coin, 1 Sheqel on the Silver Proof Coin and 1/2 Sheqel on the Silver B.U. Coin, State of Israel Emblem, word "Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic and the mint year, 1984-5745.

Reverse: Kidron Valley Monuments, stressing Absolom's Tomb, Olive trees allude to the Mt. of Olives (Gethsemane). In the background, the hills of Jerusalem and the Old City walls. The words "Valley of Kidron" in English and Hebrew.

Edge: 12 smooth edges on the B.U. coin, 12 milled edges on the Proof Silver and Gold Coins

Mint Marks: B.U. Coin obverse - Star of David, Gold and Silver Proof Coin obverses - Hebrew letter "mem".

Designer: Obverse - Dan Gelbart, Reverse - Ze'ev Lipman.

Mint: Gold Coin - The Federal Mint, Switzerland, Silver Proof - Mint of Stuttgart, Silver B.U. Coin - Monnaie de Paris.