By World Coin News December 08, 2009

Then went Samson down, and his father and his mother, to Timnath, and came to the vineyards of Timnath; and, behold, a young lion roared against him. And the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid, and he had nothing in his hand; but he told not his father or his mother what he had done. (Judges xiv, 5-6)

The 14th coin in Israel’s annual Biblical Art Series draws upon this verse from the book of Judges for its inspiration. Samson was a Nazarite, a Jew who took a vow to become an ascetic. As such, he abstained from worldly pleasures, including drinking alcohol and even cutting his hair.

The book of Judges explains that it was God’s intent that Samson was to marry a Philistine woman. As Samson was on his way to meet the one he wanted to wed, he encountered an attacking lion. The Lord gave him super-human strength to fight it and rip it apart.

In ancient Mesopotamian art style, designer Ilan Hagari captures Samson, with his own mane of long hair, grabbing the lion around its neck on the obverse of each of the four available versions (two gold and two silver). One of the gold coins is in the popular “smallest gold coins of the world” category, a 1/25 ounce pure gold 1 new sheqel measuring 13.92 mm in diameter. The three others are the traditional gold 10 new sheqel and silver 2 and 1 new sheqels.

The proof gold 10 new sheqels is 30 mm in diameter, weighs 16.96 grams and has a mintage of 555. The proof gold 1 new sheqel measures weighs 1.244 grams and has a mintage cap of 5,000.

The proof silver 2 new sheqels is 38.7 mm in diameter, weighs 28.8 grams and has a maximum mintage of 2,800. The proof-like silver 1 new sheqel measures 30 mm in diameter, weighs 14.4 grams and has a mintage of 1,800.

To order from the mint, visit www.israelmint.com.

Orders can also be placed with the Israel Coins and Medals Corporation by calling (888) 421-1866, e-mailing medals@coins.co.il, or writing P.O. Box 2040, Nesher 36680, Israel.



More Resources:

• Standard Catalog of United States Obsolete Bank Notes 4-CD Set, 1782-1866

• Fascinating Facts, Mysteries & Myths About U.S. Coins

• 2010 Standard Catalog of World Coins 2001-Date, 4th Edition

• State Quarters Deluxe Collector's Folder