Qumran

Qumran Medal
State Medal 1999/5759

The "Qumran" Medal is dedicated to the site along the Dead Sea where the "Dead Sea Scrolls" were found by a young shepherd in 1946. The scrolls, which were handwritten by the Essenes from the first century BCE through the first century CE, include passages from the Bible. The scrolls were made from parchment and then rolled and tied with a leather strip. Most were stored in clay jars. The arid desert conditions aided in their preservation. Many are on display at the Shrine of the Book at the Israel Museum, Jerusalem.

Obverse: One side of the medal portrays the archaeological site of Qumran with two jars.

Reverse: The reverse shows a portion of a scroll, the Israel Museum's striking white dome to the Shrine of the Book opposing the black stone wall inscribed with "War of the Sons of Light and Darkness", taken from the apocalyptic scroll describing the end of days.

Edge: Silver Medals: Israel State Emblem, "State of Israel" in Hebrew and English, Metal and Serial Number. Copper-Nickel Medals: Smooth.

Designer: Igal Gabay.

Engraving: Tidhar Dagan.

Mint: Government Mint, Jerusalem.