Jonah the Prophet was requested by the Lord to go from the Land of Israel to the city of Nineveh, to warn the people to repent for their sins, before their city be destroyed. Jonah, however, chose to flee from his mission by boarding a ship bound for Tarshish. When a violent storm began, the ship crew believed that one of the passengers was responsible and cast lots to determine who it was. The lots fell on Jonah. He was cast into the sea and the storm calmed down. Meanwhile, a big fish, thought to be a whale, swallowed up Jonah into its belly, where he remained for three days and three nights. Jonah prayed to God and was saved when the fish spat him out on the shore. He then understood he was destined to go to Nineveh, as he had been commanded. The King and the people of Nineveh repented and were thus saved from destruction.

Coin Description

Front

An artistic rendering of Jonah with outstretched arms in the belly of the fish.

Reverse

The inscription, "Jonah in the belly of the fish, Jonah 1:17" in Hebrew and English. The denomination "1" with "New Sheqel". The year of issue "5771/2010" and the word "Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic. The State Emblem at the top. Below the denomination, Jonah looking to the holy temple.

Cat. No.	Item	Denomination	Type	Diameter	Weight	Mintage	Price
FR 120	Jonah in the Whale	1 NIS Proof	Gold/.999	13.92 mm	1.244 grams	1,800	125.00