Ein Karem

Ein Karem
12th in the "Jerusalem of Gold" Bullion Coin Series
Legal Tender issued by the Bank of Israel

Ein Karem is an enchanting village in the hills of Jerusalem, famous for its centuries-old holy sites, which include the Church of St. John the Baptist and Mary's Spring. According to Christian tradition, Mary's Spring is said to be the source of water from which the Virgin Mary drank.
The narrow streets of Ein Karem are lined with galleries and art shops, as well as refined Mediterranean cafes and restaurants. Over the years, numerous Jerusalemites have discovered the charm of this picturesque country neighborhood, and today, Ein Karem has become a popular tourist site, attracting thousands of tourists from Israel and abroad.

Obverse: A view of the Church of St. John the Baptist, bathed in Ein Karem's typical vegetation, as seen through its gateway. In the upper area to the right is the face value and mint year in Hebrew and English, and beneath it, the Star of David mintmark. Left, around the upper border is the word “Jerusalem” in English, Hebrew and Arabic and below, right, around the border, 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, taken from an ancient 8th century BCE seal excavated in Megiddo (Armageddon) in the Jordan Valley, that belonged to Shema, servant of King Jeroboam II. Above the lion is the Israel State Emblem and below it, “Israel” in English, Hebrew and Arabic. 

Design:
Obverse: Yossi Lemel
Common Reverse: Meir Eshel
Engraving: Tidhar Dagan
Finish: Brilliant Uncirculated
Mint: The Holy Land Mint