Israel 20 New Sheqalim, 5770

20 New Sheqalim from Israel. Issued in 5770. Struck in Gold (.9999). Measures 32 mm and weighs 31.1 g.

Obverse

The Lion of Megiddo, with its stylized curved tail, is taken from an ancient seal excavated in Megiddo (Armageddon) in the Jordan Valley, dating from the 8th century BCE. The seal belonged to Shema, the servant of Jeroboam II, Israelite King. The lion is also the symbol of the Tribe of Judah and of the eternal capital of Israel, Jerusalem. The same Lion of Megiddo appeared in the past on the Israeli 5 Lira Banknote (1958), 5 Lira Coin (1978), and on the Half Sheqel Coin (1980). Above the figure of the lion appears the State of Israel Emblem and below it the word “Israel” in English, Hebrew and Arabic.

Reverse

Tower of David, rising above the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem, near Jaffa Gate, upper left-hand border, “Jerusalem” inscribed in English, Hebrew and Arabic, face value 20 New Sheqalim (NIS), mint mark and mint year. Right, the metal weight and fineness, “1 oz. fine gold .9999” in Hebrew and English.

Edge

Smooth