Jonah in the Whale
Israel's "Biblical Art" Coin Series
Year 2010/5771
The 15th Coin in the "Biblical Art" Series
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, 2 or 10" with "New Sheqel" or "New Sheqalim". 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.
Actual gold weight: 1/2 oz. encapsulated and housed in a custom display case from the Bank of Israel
| Cat. No. |
Denomination |
Type |
Diameter |
Weight |
Mintage |
Price |
| H 43 |
1 NIS Proof-like |
Silver/.925 |
30 mm |
14.4 grams |
1,800 |
75.00 |
| H 43a |
2 NIS Proof |
Silver/.925 |
38.7 mm |
28.8 grams |
2,800 |
125.00 |
Proof-Like: A Mint State coin struck on a standard quality planchet. The coin displays a mirror type finish, but of lesser degree than a full Proof strike. A small six pointed "Star of David" mintmark struck on the "Jonah" coin below the date.
Proof: A coin which was made with special care. The coins are struck using polished dies. The planchets are specially selected and polished. The coins exhibit a mirror-like surface in the fields and a frosted appearance on the raised points of the coin. A small Hebrew 'mem' mintmark is struck on the "Jonah" coin below the date.
Also, available:
The miniature version of the Gold coin. 1/25th ounce. Struck in .999 purity.
| Cat. No. |
Item |
Denomination |
Type |
Diameter |
Weight |
Mintage |
Price |
| FR 120 |
Jonah |
1 NIS Proof |
Gold/.999 |
13.92 mm |
1.244 grams |
5,000 |
135.00 |
Actual gold weight: 1/25th oz. encapsulated and housed in a custom display case from the Bank of Israel
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