2 New Sheqalim (Jonah in the Whale) 5770 (2010) front 2 New Sheqalim (Jonah in the Whale) 5770 (2010) back
2 New Sheqalim (Jonah in the Whale) 5770 (2010) photo
© Israel Coins and Medals Corp.

2 New Sheqalim Jonah in the Whale

5770 (2010) year
Silver (.925) (Copper .075) 28.8 g 38.7 mm
Description
Issuer
Israel
Period
State of Israel (1948-date)
Type
Non-circulating coin
Year
5770 (2010)
Calendar
Hebrew
Value
2 New Sheqalim 2 ILS = USD 0.52
Currency
New Shekel (1986-date)
Composition
Silver (.925) (Copper .075)
Weight
28.8 g
Diameter
38.7 mm
Shape
Round
Technique
Milled
Orientation
Medal alignment ↑↑
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#94017
Rarity index
92%

Reverse

Jonah praying from the belly of the whale.

Engravers: Gideon Keich, Tidhar Dagan

Edge

Reeded

Comment

Jonah the Prophet was commanded by the Lord to go from the Land of Israel to the city of Nineveh (thought to be Mosul in Iraq, today) to warn its people to repent for their evil ways, lest their city be destroyed. Jonah, however, chose to flee from his mission by boarding a ship bound for Tarshish (thought to be Spain, today). When a violent storm arose, the ship's crew believed that one of the passengers was responsible and cast lots to determine who it could be. The lot fell on Jonah, who admitted his guilt and was cast into the sea, which then calmed down. Meanwhile, a big fish, thought to be a whale, swallowed up Jonah into its belly, where he remained for three days and three nights. From the belly of the fish, Jonah prayed to the Lord and was saved when the fish spat him out on the shore. He then understood he was destined to go to Nineveh, as he had been commanded. The King and the people of Nineveh repented and were subsequently saved.
The coin design of Jonah in the whale is inspired by the Chinese "Yin Yang" philosophy.

Interesting fact

The Jonah in the Whale coin is a unique piece that features a 3D design of Jonah being swallowed by a whale, as depicted in the biblical story. The coin's design was created by Israeli artist and sculptor, David Roytman, and it's a prime example of the intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into the creation of non-circulating coins.

Price

Date Mintage VG F VF XF AU UNC
5770 (2010) 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 (Jonah in the Whale) 5770 (2010) coin.