Mordechai

MORDECHAI
OFFICIAL MEDAL 5767/2007
Fourth and last in the "Monitin" Medal Series

The Midrash relates that Mordechai was "Great in the House of the King and renowned in all the lands"...."and for what was his Monitin, his reputation, sack and ashes on the one hand and a golden crown on the other". According to the Midrash, the coin issued in honor of Mordechai depicts the upturning of circumstances from death decree and mourning to joy and royalty. Mordechai first sits in fast, clothed in sack and ashes, praying and beseeching for the annulation of the harsh decree. Finally, he goes out before the King "in royal attire...and the City of Shushan rejoiced and was glad". The coin publicized the miracle that occurred to the Jews. The "Mordechai" Medal concludes the series of four medals whose designs are based on the descriptions in the Midrash of the coins issued in honor of the four renowed biblical personalities: Abraham, Joshua, David and Mordechai.

Obverse: Mordechai sits fasting, clothed in sack and ashes; the words "Mordechai Coin" in Hebrew and English.

Reverse: The royal crown, the Jews rejoicing, and the words "Mordechai was great in the King's house" in English and Hebrew.

Edge: State emblem with the words "STATE OF ISRAEL" inscribed in Hebrew on the right and in English on the left; the metal and serial number.

Designer: Face: Tamar Tsahar Reverse: Naamah Lidrar

Engraving: Romania.

Mint: Silver and Bronze Medals: Romania. Gold medal: Israel Coins and Medals Mint.