The Promised Land

The Promised Land
Independence Day Coin, 1989 5759, 41st Anniversary

"... and I shall give thee a pleasant land, the finest heritage..." (Jeremiah 3:19). It has been said that while all other lands lack something, the Land of Israel lacks nothing - dew-covered at all times, abounding in springs, bathed in sun and moonlight. The gazelle is the traditional symbol of the Land's beauty. The Hebrew word for gazelle is zvi, which also means beauty. Our Sages said that, just as the gazelle is the swiftest of animals, so the fruits of the Land of Israel ripen faster than in other lands. While symbol of purity and speed, the gazelle is harmless and easy prey and was near extinction. One of the first actions of the State of Israel was legislation which restored the gazelle population, and, with it, the Land of Israel could once again be described as the Land of the Gazelle.

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. To The right of the face value on the silver coins and within the digit "0" on the gold coin, is the Israel State Emblem. Around the upper border, the word "ISRAEL" is inscribed in Hebrew, Arabic and English, along with the mint year 1989 / 5749

Reverse: Stylized picture of trees and a gazelle, symbolizing the flora and fauna of Israel. To The left, around the border, the biblical verse "... and I shall give thee a pleasant land... Jer. 3, 19" in Hebrew and English.

Edge: Silver Coins - "41st anniversary of the State of Israel" in ancient Hebrew script.
Gold Coin - milled.

Mint Marks: B.U. Coin – Star of David., Silver Proof and Gold Coins – Hebrew letter "Mem" below the face value

Designer: Ruben Nutels

Engraving: Tidhar Dagan

Mint: Silver B.U. and Proof coins - Stuttgart Mint, Gold Coin - Royal Canadian Mint