Jonah in the Whale

JONAH IN THE WHALE, 2010/5771
15th in the BIBLICAL ART Coin Series
Legal Tender issued by the Bank of Israel
Coin of the Year 2012

Jonah the Prophet was commanded by the Lord to go from the Land of Israel to the city of Nineveh (thought to be Mosul in Iraq, today) to warn its people to repent for their evil ways, lest their city be destroyed. Jonah, however, chose to flee from his mission by boarding a ship bound for Tarshish (thought to be Spain, today). When a violent storm arose, the ship's crew believed that one of the passengers was responsible and cast lots to determine who it could be.
The lot fell on Jonah, who admitted his guilt and was cast into the sea, which then calmed down.
Meanwhile, a big fish, thought to be a whale, swallowed up Jonah into its belly, where he remained for three days and three nights. From the belly of the fish, Jonah prayed to the Lord and was saved when the fish spat him out on the shore.
He then understood he was destined to go to Nineveh, as he had been commanded. The King and the people of Nineveh repented and were subsequently saved.
The coin design of Jonah in the whale is inspired by the Chinese "Yin Yang" philosophy.

Obverse: Face value in Hebrew and English, Israel State Emblem, "Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic, mint year, inscription "Jonah in the belly of the fish", Jonah 2:1, in the 3 languages, Jonah in prayer.

Reverse: Jonah praying from the belly of the whale.

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

Mint Marks:
Below the face value:

Silver Prooflike Coin – Star of David
Silver Proof and Gold Coins – Hebrew letter "Mem"

Designer:
Obverse: Aharon Shevo
Reverse: Gideon Keich

Engraving: Tidhar Dagan / Mint of Finland

Mint: Mint of Finland