Israel - 1 New Sheqel 2012 - Daniel in the Den of Lions - Gold 999, 1.244g (0.04 oz pure gold), 13.92mm

Israel - 1 New Sheqel 2012 - Daniel in the Den of Lions - Gold 999, 1.244g (0.04 oz pure gold), 13.92mm Only 10% Commission + VAT on this item. Mintage: 1,500 “Daniel in the Den of Lions” coin, dated 2012, a commemorative issue by the Bank of Israel and the seventeenth coin in the “Biblical Art” series. The coin commemorates one of the most famous and inspiring biblical stories - the steadfast faith of the prophet Daniel and his miraculous survival in the lions’ den. Daniel, a descendant of the House of David, was exiled to Babylon before the destruction of the First Temple. Thanks to his wisdom and his ability to interpret dreams and mysterious writings, he rose to a high position in the courts of the Babylonian and Persian kings. After interpreting the famous inscription “Mene Mene Tekel Upharsin, ” foretelling the fall of Babylon, he became a chief advisor to King Darius. Jealous royal officials persuaded Darius to issue a decree forbidding prayer to any god or man other than the king for thirty days. Daniel nevertheless continued praying three times daily facing Jerusalem, and as punishment he was thrown into the lions’ den. Through his unwavering faith, however, God shut the mouths of the lions and Daniel emerged unharmed. The obverse features the denomination, the State emblem, the name of Israel in Hebrew, English, and Arabic, the year of issue, and the mint mark. Around the rim appears the inscription “Daniel in the Den of Lions” in three languages, together with a roaring lion. The reverse depicts Daniel standing within the lions’ den while roaring lions face him from both sides without harming him. Above Daniel shines a heavenly light symbolizing divine protection and the miracle of his salvation.