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Historical Sites In The Holy Land Coin Series

JERICHO - 1987. One of the most ancient cities in the world, about 30 kilometers east of Jerusalem and at an altitude of 1,100 m. lower than that of Jerusalem. According to Jewish tradition, the name "Jericho" is derived from the Hebrew word "yaray-ach" meaning "moon", this being the place where the new moon can be seen clearly, and where the 'witnesses would come to testily the apparition of the new moon before presenting themselves to be members of the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem. The name "Jericho" is also said to be derived from the Hebrew word "ray-ach" meaning "aroma", as the air in this region is filled with fragrant aromas, coming from the vast persimmon of orchards. Ancient Jericho was built in the midst of date groves and is, therefore, also called "The City of Palm Trees".

Before conquest of the city, Joshua, the son of Nun, sent two spies out secretly from the plains of Moab, to investigate Jericho, which was then enclosed by a strong wall. The Israelites besieged the city, encircling it seven times and afterwards, blowing the Shofars: "And when the people heard the sound of the Shofar, they shouted a great shout and the wall fell" (Joshua 6:20). There are some who believe this was the first psychological fight in the world-Jewish legend tells how the angel Michael appeared to Joshua, the son of Nun, at his encampment close to Jericho. Christian pilgrims in the Middle Ages told of a church that was built at the spot where Joshua met with the angel, and of the garden of Jericho, which is now covered with date palms and fruit trees, and which is named after the patriarch Abraham.

At the foot of the Jericho tell is a large spring. In ancient times, this was known as "The Waters of Jericho" and today it is known as "The Spring of Elisha". According to the Bible, the waters of Jericho were bad and saline, until Elisha the prophet came and purified them and the spring was then called in his name.

Description of the Corn Obverse: The seven-branched candelabrum, a lulav and ethrog with the words "Peace on Israel" in Hebrew, as appears on the mosaic floor of the ancient Synagogue in Jericho. A rosette and pillars from the palace of the Khatif Hisham (724-743) and the pit, ruins of the round tower at Tell al-Sultan, the sacred site of Jericho, dating from neolithic times. Palm trees allude to frequent biblical references to Jericho

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