The Cardo

THE CARDO
Eighth in the "Jerusalem of Gold" Bullion Coin Series
Legal Tender issued by the Bank of Israel

The Cardo was the main street, the heart of the city and trade center which ran from north to south in Roman cities.
Aelia Capitolina, the Roman City built by Emperor Hadrian on the ruins of Jerusalem following the Bar Cochba Revolt (132-135 CE), had a Cardo. Running from Damascus Gate in the north of the city, southwards, this Cardo was extended further southwards to Zion Gate by the Emperor Justinius in the 6th century Byzantine period.

The Cardo had an open roadway in the center for carriages and animals. For pedestrians, there were roofed sidewalks supported by pillars crowned with impressive Byzantine-style Corinthian capitals.
The mosaic map of Jerusalem discovered on a sixth-century Byzantine church floor in Madaba, Jordan, shows the original route of the Cardo and excavations in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem revealed parts of it.

Today, the restored Cardo in the Old City has become a lively touristic area, reflecting the history of Jerusalem. Along the colonnaded street, modern shops have taken the place of the Roman shops that were once there. Day after day, people from all over the world walk along the sidewalk, treading on the same stones, alongside the same stone pillars, all of which are imbued with the unique, enchanting atmosphere of Jerusalem.

Obverse: The Madaba Map and in the background, one of the Cardo pillars. In the upper border is the inscription “Jerusalem” in English, Hebrew and Arabic, upper right, is the face value "20 New Shekels" and mint year in Hebrew and English. Below is the Star of David mint mark and around the lower border is the metal fineness and weight, “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.

Face Design: Michael Faber
Common Reverse Design: Meir Eshel
Finish: Brilliant Uncirculated
Mint: Royal Dutch Mint