1 New Shekel (Samson in the Philistine House) 5776 (2016) front 1 New Shekel (Samson in the Philistine House) 5776 (2016) back
1 New Shekel (Samson in the Philistine House) 5776 (2016) photo
© Israel Coins and Medals Corp.

1 New Shekel Samson in the Philistine House

5776 (2016) year
Silver (.999) 14.4 g 30 mm
Description
Issuer
Israel
Period
State of Israel (1948-date)
Type
Non-circulating coin
Year
5776 (2016)
Calendar
Hebrew
Value
1 New Sheqel 1 ILS = USD 0.26
Currency
New Shekel (1986-date)
Composition
Silver (.999)
Weight
14.4 g
Diameter
30 mm
Shape
Round
Technique
Milled
Orientation
Medal alignment ↑↑
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#125360
Rarity index
94%

Reverse

Samson breaking the pillars in the Philistine House of Dagon.

Engraver: Aharon Shevo

Edge

Reeded

Comment

Samson, last of the Judges, was a Nazarite consecrated to G-d. He neither drank wine nor cut his hair and this was the reason for his exceptional strength. In his time, the Philistines ruled and were a constant trouble to the Israelites. Samson's entire mission was to fight the Philistines and he did this single-handed. Afraid of his strength, the Philistines paid Delilah, the third woman in Samson's life, to discover the source of the strength. Samson eventually disclosed this to Delilah and when he was asleep, she cut his hair and his strength was lost. The Philistines took him, gouged out his eyes and threw him into prison.

They gathered in the house of their god Dagon to thank him for having delivered Samson into their hands and summoned Samson so that people could watch him performing for them. The house was very crowded; about 3,000 people stood around. Samson was led from the prison into the house, where he requested that they let him lean against the supporting pillars.

At that moment, Samson beseeched the Lord for special strength. As he grasped the two middle pillars, one with his right hand and the other with his left, and bent forward with all his might, the house collapsed and all the people who were in it were killed together with Samson. Samson had killed more people at his death than he had killed in his lifetime.

Interesting fact

The coin's design, which features Samson in the Philistine House, is based on a famous painting by the French artist Gustave Doré, which was created in the 19th century. The painting depicts Samson, a biblical hero, in a moment of triumph as he pulls down the pillars of the Philistine temple, bringing it crashing down on his enemies. The coin's design is a nod to this powerful image and serves as a symbol of strength and resilience.

Price

Date Mintage VG F VF XF AU UNC
5776 (2016) ✡ 1800 - - - - - -

Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for 1 New Shekel (Samson in the Philistine House) 5776 (2016) coin.