Herodion

Herodion
Sites in the Holy Land Coin, 1983/5744

Herod, a Jew of Edomite origin, reigned as King, under Roman patronage, for 33 years from 37 B.C.E. until 4 B.C.E. He was known as "The Builder King". Some of the building projects attributed to him are the Temple in Jerusalem, the port-city of Caesarea and fortresses such as Masada and Cypros.
Herodion is the only palace which immortalizes Herod's name. It commemorates the King's decisive battle there against the last. Hasmonean King. In that battle, Herod, though showing great courage, almost perished in combat.
Herodion is at the Edge of the Judean Desert, east of Bethlehem and somewhat south of Jerusalem. Unique for its size and lavishness, it is the third largest palace to be discovered in the entire Roman world.

Obverse: The face value, 5 Sheqalim on the gold coin, 1 Sheqel on the Silver Proof coin and 1/2 Sheqel on the Silver B.U. coin. The Israel State Emblem, the word "Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic and mint year, 1983-5744.

Reverse: The site of Herodion as seen from an aerial photograph, showing the Judean Desert hills,with the sun overhead. The word "Herodion" in Hebrew and English.

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

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

Designer: Dan Gelbart

Mint: Mint of Munich