Israel - 1 New Sheqel 2013 - David Playing for Saul - Gold 999, 1.244g (0.04 oz pure gold), 13.92mm

Israel - 1 New Sheqel 2013 - David Playing for Saul - Gold 999, 1.244g (0.04 oz pure gold), 13.92mm Only 10% Commission + VAT on this item. Mintage: 1,000 “David Playing for Saul” coin, dated 2013, a commemorative issue by the Bank of Israel and the eighteenth coin in the “Biblical Art” series. The coin portrays one of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Book of Samuel - the young David playing the harp before King Saul in an attempt to calm his troubled spirit. Saul, the first king of Israel, was chosen during the days of the prophet Samuel and led many battles against the Philistines. After failing to fulfill God’s command regarding Amalek, Samuel announced that the kingdom would be taken from him. At that time God chose David, the young shepherd son of Jesse from Bethlehem, to become the future king of Israel. After the spirit of God departed from Saul, an evil spirit troubled him. Saul’s servants suggested bringing a talented musician to soothe him, and thus David was brought to the royal court. The Bible states: “David took the harp and played with his hand, so Saul was refreshed and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him” (I Samuel 16:23). The design depicts King Saul seated upon the royal throne, while his crown appears to drift away from his head - symbolizing the decline of his reign. Before him stands the young shepherd David, destined to become king, playing the harp and bringing calm and comfort. The obverse features the State emblem, the denomination, the name of Israel in Hebrew, English, and Arabic, the year of issue, and the mint mark. Around the rim appears the inscription “David Playing for Saul” in three languages, together with a decorative lyre symbol associated with King David. The reverse depicts the shepherd David playing the harp before King Saul. The artistic composition emphasizes the contrast between the calm young David and the tormented, fading figure of Saul.