New 2-Sheqel Coin Circulates in Israel Dec. 8That should be John Hyrcanus and his reign begain 134 BCE, not 127. An image of what seems to be the coin referred to is here.
By Richard Giedroyc, World Coin News
February 07, 2008
Look through the Krause Standard Catalog of World Coins catalog and you'll see Israel's 2-sheqel coins are non-circulating legal tender commemoratives composed of silver.
As of Dec. 8 there is a new kid on the block - a circulating 2-sheqel coin meant to favor consumers rather than collectors. The Bank of Israel issued the new circulating coin through commercial banks in hopes of reducing the cost of issuing future coins and currency. The low value 2 sheqel is hoped to make cash transactions on small purchases more efficient by reducing the number of coins needed.
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The coin is a silver-colored nickel-plated piece designed by Ruben Nutels. The reverse has a theme based on designs appearing on ancient Jewish coins. The reverse of the 2 sheqel mimicks a coin of Hasmonean ruler Jan Hyrcanus (127-104 BC). The 2 sheqel depicts two cornucopia and a pomegranate, the cornucopia filled with fruits and sheaves while being wrapped in ribbons.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
THE NEW ISRAELI TWO-SHEKEL COIN is based on an old model:
