Wild Goat and Shittah (Acacia) Tree

Wild Goat and Shittah (Acacia) Tree 2000/5761
9th and Final Coin in the Biblical Wildlife Series

The "Wild Goat" referred to in the Book of Samuel is characteristic of the rocky mountainous areas in Israel. Once an endangered species, the "Wild Goat" today is protected and can be seen roaming freely, as it did in biblical times, in the high rocks of the Negev Desert in the south of Israel.

The Acacia Tree grows in southern Israel, in the dry Negev Desert and Arava region. So strong and resistant is the wood of the Acacia Tree, that it was used in building the Tabernacle and its holy ark. An impressive Acacia Tree is featured on the coin obverse.

Obverse: Face value in Hebrew and English, Israel State Emblem, "Israel" in English, Hebrew and Arabic, an acacia tree on a desert landscape, around the upper left-hand border, biblical inscription, " the Shittah tree, Isaiah 41:19" in Hebrew and English.

Reverse: A wild mountain goat standing on a rocky cliff; around the border, biblical verse "the rocks of the wild goats, I Samuel 24:2" in Hebrew and English and the mint year.

Edge: Silver Prooflike Coin: Smooth Silver Proof and Gold Coins: Milled

Mint Marks: Silver Prooflike Coin – Star of David Silver Proof and Gold Coin – Hebrew letter "Mem"

Designer: Igal Gabay

Plaster Models: Tidhar Dagan

Dies: Dutch Mint

Mint: Dutch Mint