Israel 100 Sheqalim 1985

History

100 Sheqalim 1985, KM# 146, Israel, Hanukkah

100 Sheqalim 1985, KM# 146, Israel, Hanukkah, Judaea, Hasmonean Kingdom, Antigonus II Mattathias, Prutah, 40-37 BC

Obverse. Photo © Numista

Description

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple (the Second Temple) in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar. It is also known as the Festival of Lights and the Feast of Dedication.

The festival is observed by the kindling of the lights of a unique candelabrum, the nine-branched menorah (also called a Hanukiah), one additional light on each night of the holiday, progressing to eight on the final night. The typical menorah consists of eight branches with an additional visually distinct branch. The extra light, with which the others are lit, is called a shamash ("attendant") and is given a distinct location, usually above or below the rest. Other Hanukkah festivities include playing dreidel and eating oil-based foods such as doughnuts and latkes.

Obverse	Coat of arms Israel Symbol, amulet, talisman Menorah Replica of a coin issued by Antigonus II Mattathias with the seven-branched candelabrum; the emblem of the State of Israel (menorah flanked by olive branches); "Israel" in Hebrew, Arabic and English. Antigonus II Mattathias, also known as Antigonus the Hasmonean (died 37 BCE) was the last Hasmonean king of Judea. He was the son of King Aristobulus II of Judea. In 37 BCE Herod handed him over to the Romans for execution, after Antigonus's three-year reign during which he led the Jews' fierce struggle for independence against the Romans. The Emblem of the State of Israel shows a menorah surrounded by an olive branch on each side, and the writing "ישראל" (Hebrew for Israel) below it. The menorah is described in the Bible as the seven-lamp (six branches) ancient Hebrew lampstand made of pure gold and used in the portable sanctuary set up by Moses in the wilderness and 300 years later in the Temple in Jerusalem. Fresh olive oil of the purest quality was burned daily to light its lamps. The menorah has been a symbol of Judaism since ancient times and is the emblem on the coat of arms of the modern state of Israel. Engraver: Nathan Karp, Victor Houster ישראל إسرائيل • ישראל • ISRAEL
Reverse	The denomination in Hebrew and English; the date in Hebrew. Small Hanukkah menorah at the bottom. All dates on Israeli coins are given in the Hebrew calendar and are written in Hebrew letters. Hebrew dating formed from a combination of the 22 consonant letters of the Hebrew alphabet and read from right to left. Engraver: Gabi Neumann, Tidhar Dagan 100 שקליס SHEQALIM התשמ"ה HANUKKA חנוכה
Edge	Reeded (milled)