Coral Reef Eilat

CORAL REEF, EILAT - 2012/5773
First in the "Views of Israel" Coin Series
Legal Tender issued by the Bank of Israel

The coins in this series take you on a delightful tour of some of the most interesting and scenically beautiful views in Israel. The series starts in the south at the Coral Reef in the Gulf of Eilat.

The Coral Reefs in Eilat are among the most beautiful reefs in the world. Their unique features are the result of a combination of factors, including the structure of the Gulf of Eilat, its geological history and climatic and oceanographic characteristics. Together, these have led to the development of rich and diverse Coral Reefs, resembling magnificent “underwater gardens”. Hundreds of coral species, as well as thousands of different species of fishes and marine invertebrates, decorate the reef, creating an array of colors and a marine ecosystem unparalleled anywhere else on earth. The Coral Reefs in Eilat are characterized by their structural and biological complexity, providing a habitat for thousands of species that live together in perfect reciprocal interaction.

Designed by the artist Galia Erez, the coin presents the natural splendor of the Coral Reef with its exotic corals, fishes and water life. The harmonious designs on both sides of the coin evoke the rich, enchanting underwater world.

Written in collaboration with the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.

Obverse: Face value, Israel State Emblem, "Israel" in English, Hebrew and Arabic, Mint Year and Mint Mark. Fishes move around the figures of the Face Value in the center and in the upper area, is a wave-shaped design.

Reverse: An artistic composition of coral, dolphin and fish on a background wave design, representing the Coral Reef in Eilat, with border inscription "Coral Reef – Eilat" in English, Hebrew and Arabic.

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

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

Designer: Galia Erez.

Engraving: Tidhar Dagan

Mint: Mint of Norway