2 New Sheqalim (Jordan River) 5774 (2013) front 2 New Sheqalim (Jordan River) 5774 (2013) back
2 New Sheqalim (Jordan River) 5774 (2013) photo
© Israel Coins and Medals Corp.

2 New Sheqalim Jordan River

5774 (2013) year
Silver (.999) 31.1 g 38.7 mm
Description
Issuer
Israel
Period
State of Israel (1948-date)
Type
Non-circulating coin
Year
5774 (2013)
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
Thickness
3 mm
Shape
Round
Technique
Milled
Orientation
Medal alignment ↑↑
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#75579
Rarity index
85%

Reverse

A general view of the Jordan River. In the distance on the horizon is the Hermon Mountain range and in the foreground, to the right, rocks and Common Reed vegetation.

Scripts: Arabic, Hebrew, Latin

Lettering:
נהר הירדן
نهر الأردن
JORDAN RIVER

Translation:
Jordan river
The River of Jordan
JORDAN RIVER

Engravers: Meir Eshel, Tidhar Dagan

Edge

Reeded

Comment

The Jordan River has been chosen as the subject for the second coin in the series of coins picturing the magnificent views of Israel.

The lowest river in the world and longest in Israel with a meandering course of 250 km and hardly more than 30m at its widest point, the Jordan River flows from north to south of Israel, through the Syrian-African Rift Valley, joining the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea. Its waters, which come mainly from the rain and snow that falls on the Hermon Mountain to the north, are a prime source of drinking water and irrigation for Israel.
One of the most historically and religiously significant rivers, the Jordan has played sacred roles in Judaism and Christianity.
It was near Jericho where the Israelites, led by Joshua, crossed the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land.
When Elijah the Prophet and Elisha his successor approached the waters of the Jordan River, Elijah struck the waters with his cloak and the waters parted, enabling them both to cross on dry land. It was here where Elijah was taken up to heaven in the whirlwind and when Elisha hit the waters of the Jordan with Elijah's cloak, the waters separated again, proving that the spirit of Elijah now rested on him.
One of the miracles performed by Elisha was the healing of Na'aman, a general of the King of Aram (today, the region of Syria). Na'aman was afflicted with leprosy and only Elisha succeeding in curing him, by having Na'aman bathe in the Jordan River seven times.
In the New Testament, the Jordan River is given a special significance as the baptismal place of Jesus, John and other followers of Jesus. The "Yardenit" baptismal site, where Jesus is said to have been baptized by John (Matthew 3:13) is visited by Christian pilgrims from all over the world. Many descend into the Jordan River at this site to be baptized.
The Jordan River has become one of the popular tourist sites of Israel.

Interesting fact

The 2 New Sheqalim (Jordan River) 5774 (2013) coin from Israel is a unique piece that features a stunning proof finish, which gives it a highly detailed and mirror-like appearance. This finish is achieved through a special minting process that involves multiple strikes and careful handling to ensure that the coin's surface is perfectly smooth and free of imperfections. The end result is a coin that is not only beautiful to look at but also highly collectible due to its limited mintage and unique features.

Price

Date Mintage VG F VF XF AU UNC
5774 (2013) 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 (Jordan River) 5774 (2013) coin.