Israel: New one-ounce gold coins feature vibrant Mahane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem in gold bullion series

The Bank of Israel has launched (14th June) their 2021-dated gold bullion coins which spotlight the Mahane Yehuda Market, Jerusalem’s largest and most interesting market, located in the center of the city. Originally established at the end of the 19th century in the period during Ottoman rule and developed during the British Mandate period from the end of the First World War — during which time permanent stalls and roofing was built — until 1947. Mahane Yehuda Market has since undergone many changes and expansion over the years. 

The coin is part of the ongoing “Jerusalem of Gold” series, which is in its 11th year. The reverse vibrant design aptly depicts the market — a bustling centre alive from early morning until night, in its unique Jerusalem setting. Thousands visit the market every day and people of all ages come with their baskets and carts to buy, sell, trade, or just to have fun — as well as tourists from all over the globe. The array of colours and fragrances of the countless spices together with the energetic shouts of the more than 250 permanent stallholders contribute to the market’s special and timeless atmosphere. 

Designed by graphic artist Meir Eshel, the primary scene depicted on the obverse includes representations of stalls, stallholders, and shoppers to the left and illustrates the traditional market. To the right are people sitting and talking by a bar table, representing the restaurants and bars. Above left in the background is the Tower of David, symbolising the city of Jerusalem and the unique Jerusalemite atmosphere. Just above the tower is an artistic element, a stylised sun, and within it is a crescent moon that represents the bustling life in the market from morning to night. To its right is the coin’s face value or denomination of 20 NEW SHEKELS shown in English, Hebrew, and Arabic, along with the coin’s year of issue 2021. Shown just above the two diners is the star of David mintmark which denotes the coin’s quality as Brilliant Uncirculated and below the same diners is the coin’s fineness of 1 OZ. FINE GOLD .9999 GOLD placed along the lower-right edge. 

The common reverse design of the series includes the depiction of the Lion of Megiddo with its stylized curved tail and is taken from an ancient eighth century BCE seal excavated in Megiddo (Armageddon) in the Jordan Valley and believed to have belonged to Shema, servant of King Jeroboam II. Above the lion is the Israel State Emblem and below the primary design is the text ISRAEL in English, Hebrew, and Arabic.  

Denom.	Metal	Weight	Diameter	Quality	Maximum Mintage
20 shekels	.9999 Gold	31.1 g	32 mm	Brilliant Unc.	3,600

Each coin is encapsulated and presented in a custom wood case and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity branded by the Holy Land Mint. For additional information about these coins and others issued by the Bank of Israel, please visit the website of the Holy Land Mint.

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