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| The Lion and the Pomegranate
1997/5757
Israel's Seventh Coin in the "Holyland Wildlife" Series The lion, referred to as the "King of Beasts", figures prominently in Biblical literature as well as in ancient artwork: the lion is the symbol of the tribe of Judah, appears in a number of mosaics, and adorns many representations of the Holy Ark. The pomegranate is one of the seven choice fruits of the Land of Israel as cited in the Bible and served as proof of the land's fertility. The fruit itself has beautiful red flowers which bloom in the spring and make a delicious juice. Images of them adorn the capitals of the Temple pillars, Hasmonean coins as well as the One Lira coin of Modern Israel.
Coin Description Front A Lion with the inscription, "Lions' Dens" (Song of Songs, 4,8) and the date "1997-5757" in Hebrew and English. Reverse Two pomegranates with the inscription, "Piece of a pomegranate" (Song of Songs, 4,3). The denomination "1, 2 or 5" with "New Sheqel" or "New Sheqalim". At the left, the State emblem. "Israel" in Hebrew, English and Arabic. The proof coins are mintmarked with a Hebrew 'mem'. The proof-like silver coin is mintmarked with a 6 pointed star below the denomination. NIS-New Israel Sheqalim
Actual gold weight: 1/10 & 1/4 oz. - Encapsulated and housed in a display case from the Bank of Israel
Encapsulated and housed in a custom display case from the Bank of Israel
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