© Israel Coins and Medals Corp.
© Israel Coins and Medals Corp.
2 New Shekels Samson in the Philistine House
5776 (2016) year| Silver (.999) | 31.1 g | 38.7 mm |
| Issuer | Israel |
|---|---|
| Period | State of Israel (1948-date) |
| Type | Non-circulating coin |
| Year | 5776 (2016) |
| Calendar | Hebrew |
| Value | 2 New Sheqalim 2 ILS = USD 0.52 |
| Currency | New Shekel (1986-date) |
| Composition | Silver (.999) |
| Weight | 31.1 g |
| Diameter | 38.7 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#125358 |
|---|---|
| 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 from the Book of Judges, in a scene where he is being betrayed by Delilah, who has cut his hair and handed him over to his enemies, the Philistines. The coin's design incorporates elements from the painting, such as the ornate decorations and the depiction of Samson in a state of vulnerability, to create a unique and visually striking image.
Price
| Date | Mintage | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5776 (2016) מ | 2800 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for 2 New Shekels (Samson in the Philistine House) 5776 (2016) coin.
