The Jordan River

THE JORDAN RIVER 2013/5774
COMMEMORATIVE COIN ISSUED BY THE BANK OF ISRAEL
2ND IN THE "VIEWS OF ISRAEL" SERIES

The Jordan River was chosen as the subject for the second coin in the series of coins picturing the magnificent views of Israel.

The lowest river in the world and longest in Israel with a meandering course of 250 km and hardly more than 30m at its widest point, the Jordan River flows from north to south of Israel, through the Syrian-African Rift Valley, joining the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea. Its waters, which come mainly from the rain and snow that falls on the Hermon Mountain to the north, are a prime source of drinking water and irrigation for Israel.

One of the most historically and religiously significant rivers, the Jordan has played sacred roles in Judaism and Christianity.

It was near Jericho where the Israelites, led by Joshua, crossed the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land.
When Elijah the Prophet and Elisha his successor approached the waters of the Jordan River, Elijah struck the waters with his cloak and the waters parted, enabling them both to cross on dry land. It was here where Elijah was taken up to heaven in the whirlwind and when Elisha hit the waters of the Jordan with Elijah's cloak, the waters separated again, proving that the spirit of Elijah now rested on him.
One of the miracles performed by Elisha was the healing of Na'aman, a general of the King of Aram (today, the region of Syria). Na'aman was afflicted with leprosy and only Elisha succeeding in curing him, by having Na'aman bathe in the Jordan River seven times.

In the New Testament, the Jordan River is given a special significance as the baptismal place of Jesus, John and other followers of Jesus. The "Yardenit" baptismal site, where Jesus is said to have been baptized by John (Matthew 3:13) is visited by Christian pilgrims from all over the world. Many descend into the Jordan River at this site to be baptized.

The Jordan River has become one of the popular tourist sites of Israel.

The coin pictures a beautiful view of the hilly northern part of the river's course and characteristic vegetation on the banks of the river.

Obverse: Face Value, Israel State Emblem, "Israel" in English, Hebrew and Arabic, Mint Year and Mint Mark, the Jordan River as it appears on the map, flowing from the north, southwards, connecting between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea.

Reverse: A general view of the Jordan River. In the distance on the horizon is the Hermon Mountain range and in the foreground, to the right, rocks and Common Reed vegetation.

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: Meir Eshel

Engraving: Tidhar Dagan

Mint: Mint of Norway