© Israel Coins and Medals Corp.
© Israel Coins and Medals Corp.
2 New Sheqalim David playing for Saul
5774 (2014) year| Silver (.999) | 31.1 g | 38.7 mm |
| Issuer | Israel |
|---|---|
| Period | State of Israel (1948-date) |
| Type | Non-circulating coin |
| Year | 5774 (2014) |
| 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#93890 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 90% |
Reverse
David is depicted playing the harp for Saul. The figure of Saul, from whom the kingship had already been taken away is depicted in the background by an outline, while David the young shepherd who is to become king, is represented in the foreground in solid sculpted form.
Engravers: Moshe Pereg, Tidhar Dagan
Edge
Reeded
Comment
The image of David playing the harp for Saul to relieve him from his depression after the kingship was taken away from him, reflects the rise and fall of Saul described in the Book of Samuel I. In the time of the Judges, the Philistines were a constant menace to the people of Israel and the people asked the Prophet Samuel for a King. Saul the son of Qish from the Tribe of Benjamin was chosen, "a choice young man and handsome….taller than any of the people" (I Samuel 9:2). Saul's kingship lasted for two years and was torn by war against the Philistines. Further to this, he was commanded by God through Samuel to wage war against Amalek. Saul, however, instead of exerting his authority as king, listened to the people, who urged him to have mercy on Amalek. Thus began his downfall for not obeying the word of God. Commanded by God, Samuel took the kingship away from him.Samuel was then sent by God to take a king from the sons of Jesse the Bethlehemite. Jesse brought his sons before Samuel but not one of them was deemed fit for the kingship by God. When he finally brought his youngest son, David the shepherd, "ruddy with fine eyes and good looking" (I Samuel 16:12), God commanded Samuel "Arise, anoint him: for this is he" (I Samuel 16:12). From this day onwards, the spirit of God left Saul and passed to David. An evil spirit tormented Saul. To help him, Saul's servants suggested that a man who can play well be brought to him. David the son of Jesse, whose anointment as king was as yet unknown, was chosen and brought before Saul. David played sweetly on his harp and relieved Saul of his depressive spirit.
Interesting fact
The coin's design, which features David playing the lyre for King Saul, is based on a famous painting by the Italian master Raphael, titled "David and Saul." The painting is considered one of Raphael's greatest works and is housed in the Galleria Borghese in Rome, Italy. The coin's designer, Yitzhak Gorman, was inspired by the painting and sought to capture the same sense of elegance and drama in his design.
Price
| Date | Mintage | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5774 (2014) 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 Sheqalim (David playing for Saul) 5774 (2014) coin.
