Jericho

Jericho
Sites in the Holy Land Coin, 1987/5748

Jericho is one of the ancient cities of the world and a short distance east of Jerusalem.
The name Jericho is probably derived from either one of two Hebrew words. One meaning "moon" and the other meaning "aroma". The air in the region is filled with the fragrant aroma from the persimmon orchards. According to the Bible, before the conquest of the city, Joshua, the son of Nun, sent two spies out secretly from the plains of Moab, to investigate Jericho, which was then
enclosed by a strong wall. The Israelites besieged the city, encircling it seven times and, afterwards, blowing the Shofar: "And when the people heard the sound of the Shofar, they shouted a great shout and the wall fell". (Joshua 6:20)

Obverse: Face value of 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. The emblem of the State of Israel, word "Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic and mint year - 5748 - 1987.

Reverse: The seven-branched candelabrum, a lulav and ethrog with the words "Peace in Israel" in Hebrew, as appears on the mosaic floor of the ancient Synagogue in Jericho. A rosette and pillars from the palace of the Khalif Hisham (724-743) and the pit, ruins of the round tower at Tel al-Sultan, sacred site of Jericho, dating from neolithic times. Palm trees allude to frequent biblical references to Jericho as "The City of Palm Trees". In the upper right-hand border, the word "Jericho" is inscribed in Hebrew and English.

Edge: 12 smooth edges on the B.U. coin, 12 milled edges on the proof silver and gold coins.

Mint Marks: Obverse of the B.U. coin - Star of David., Obverse of the proof coin, both silver and gold, the Hebrew letter "Mem", beneath the face value.

Designer: Gideon Keich

Mint: B.U. coin - Monnaie de Paris, Proof coin - Mint of Stuttgart, Gold coin - Royal Canadian Mint