The Israel Coins and Medals Corporation (ICMC) has issued three coins celebrating the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem.
Among the new issues are a 22-karat gold coin, a Proof silver coin and a Proof-like sterling silver coin. Each coin shares a common reverse, which depicts the figure “50” highlighted on a frosted background in the centre of a circle. Around the circle are famous landmarks on the Jerusalem skyline—the Knesset, Chords Bridge, Jaffa Gate in the Old City Wall, the Western Wall, Abbey of the Dormition, Al-Aqsa, Old City Walls and Tower of David, modern skyscrapers, Shrine of the Book, and Windmill. There’s also a border inscription reading “Reunification of Jerusalem” in English, Hebrew and Arabic.
HOLY CITY
Throughout Jewish history, the holy city of Jerusalem has never been forgotten. Unique in its spirituality and beauty, it is the heart of Israel and the Jewish people, captivating the minds of millions around the world. Holy to each of the monotheistic religions, Jerusalem remains an eternal source of inspiration and focus of pilgrimage for people from all over the globe.
From 1947—before the establishment of the Jewish State in 1948—until 1967, Jerusalem was a divided city. The two areas, each under different rule, were cut off from each other by barbed wire. During the Six Day War, on June 7, 1967, in the morning, the Israeli paratroopers broke through the Lions’ Gate and made their way to the Western Wall. This was the pivotal moment of the reunification of Jerusalem.
The coin was designed by Zvika Roitman and minted and engraved by the Dutch Mint.
The coin’s obverse features the face value, Israel’s state emblem and”Israel” in English, Hebrew and Arabic around the lower border. The words “Independence Day” and the year-date appear in the upper border in English and Hebrew. In the lower section, from left to right, are six of the landmarks of Jerusalem that appear on the reverse. The mintmark also appears on the obverse.