Parting of the Red Sea

Parting of the Red Sea 2008/5769
13th in the Biblical Art Coin Series
Legal Tender issued by the Bank of Israel

The Exodus from Egypt is a determining event in the history of the Jewish People and serves as a universal symbol of liberation from bondage and slavery for all mankind. It symbolizes the spirit of liberty and freedom, opposing the evil of enslavement and oppression, as expressed by the first Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Kook: "the Exodus from Egypt will forever remain the springtime of the entire world."
This impressive coin depicts the remarkable scene of the parting of the sea and the miraculous passage from bondage to freedom. Pharoah, who had regretted his decision to let the people go, together with his Egyptian army, fled after the Children of Israel. It was the sea that prevented them from reaching the Jewish people, who were thus freed from bondage.

Obverse: Face value in Hebrew and English, Israel State Emblem, "Israel" in English, Hebrew and Arabic, mint year; border inscription "AND THE WATERS WERE DIVIDED EX.14" in Hebrew, English and Arabic. The Biblical source does not appear on the small gold coin.

Reverse: The parting of the sea and the safe passage of the Israelites, led by Moses, between the walls of the water to their right and left. The small gold coin depicts a smaller number of images behind Moses.

Edge: Silver Prooflike Coin: Smooth, Silver Proof and Gold Coins: Milled

Mint Marks: Silver Prooflike Coin – Star of David, Silver Proof and Gold Coins – Hebrew letter "Mem"

Designer: Gideon Keich

Plaster Models: Tidhar Dagan / Mint of Finland

Dies: Mint of Finland

Mint: Mint of Finland