Akko Holyland Sites

Akko
Sites in the Holy Land Coin, 5747/1986

Few places in Israel can compete with Akko in the combination of scenery, human pageantry and historical sites. Settlement of the city began in the Bronze Age. It appears in Babylonian and Egyptian sources, at the beginning of the second millenium B.C.E. under the name of Akko.
The history of Akko is traced from the period of the Hasmoneans and is associated with well known historical names and developments.

Obverse: The Face Value - 5 New Sheqalim on the Gold Coin, 1 New Sheqel on the Silver Proof coin and 1/2 New Sheqel on the Silver B.U. Coin in Hebrew and English characters, the Israel State Emblem, "Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic and the mint year 5747-1986.

Reverse: Four elements harmoniously integrated. The Bay of Akko enclosed by the city wall. Overlooking the wall and at its extremity one of the most beautiful skylines in Israel. Minarets of mosques, bell towers of monasteries and churches stand out above the domes of the buildings, the square outline of the Citadel and the flat roofs of oriental dwellings. On the right hand side, the most famous site in Akko, the so-called "Crypt", actually the refectory of the Hospitalers' Palace. Through an arched gate can be seen two giant pillars and from their capitals, fanning out magnificent arches supporting the building. On the left hand side, sculptured on one of the pillars a Fleur de Lis, which was to become the emblem of the French monarchy.

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

Mint Marks: On the obverse of the B.U. Coin, a Star of David, on the obverse of the Proof Coins, both Silver and Gold, the Hebrew letter "mem"

Designer: Obverse - Gideon Keich Reverse - Yaakov Zim

Mint: Gold coin - The Federal Mint, Switzerland, Silver Proof coin - Mint of Stuttgart, Silver B.U. Coin - Royal Dutch Mint