Tower of David

Tower of David
The First in the “Jerusalem of Gold” Bullion Coin Series, 2010/5770
Legal Tender issued by the Bank of Israel

The Bank of Israel aptly named this Series “Jerusalem of Gold”. The coins in the series are legal tender. Each contains 1 oz. of fine gold.9999 and has a face value of 20 New Sheqalim (NIS). These are the very first Israeli gold bullion coins, priced in accordance with the daily international price of gold, plus a reasonable mark up over gold.
These bullion coins are equally valuable as collectors items and as financial investments. The Gold Bullion Coins in the “Jerusalem of Gold” Series will depict a treasured historical site in the eternal city of Jerusalem. One coin will be issued annually, starting from 2010 with the “Tower of David”.
The obverse of each coin will depict the famous “Lion of Megiddo”, from archaeological excavations at this ancient Israelite city, and the design of this side will remain constant in the series.

Obverse: Tower of David, rising above the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem, near Jaffa Gate, upper left-hand border, “Jerusalem” inscribed in English, Hebrew and Arabic, face value 20 New Sheqalim (NIS), mint mark and mint year. Right, the metal weight and fineness, “1 oz. fine gold .9999” in Hebrew and English.
Common Reverse of the Series: The Lion of Megiddo, with its stylized curved tail, is taken from an ancient seal excavated in Megiddo (Armageddon) in the Jordan Valley, dating from the 8th century BCE. The seal belonged to Shema, the servant of Jeroboam II, Israelite King. The lion is also the symbol of the Tribe of Judah and of the eternal capital of Israel, Jerusalem. The same Lion of Megiddo appeared in the past on the Israeli 5 Lira Banknote (1958), 5 Lira Coin (1978), and on the Half Sheqel Coin (1980). Above the figure of the lion appears the State of Israel Emblem and below it the word “Israel” in English, Hebrew and Arabic.

Edge: Smooth

Mint Mark: Star of David

Designer: Meir Eshel

Engraving: Tidhar Dagan.

Finish: Brilliant Uncirculated

Mint: Royal Dutch Mint