3950) The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel: “Jerusalem of Gold” Bullion Coin Series": The Fifteenth 20 Shekel Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) Gold Coin issued in the Series by the Israel Coins and Medals Corporation (ICMC): Date of Coin issue: 07/2025:
The Bank of Israel, through the (Israel Coins and Medals Corporation - ICMC), has brought out its latest coin which is part of the ongoing “Jerusalem of Gold” series, and is the 15th release thus far. The coin is being released on 07/2025.
THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM: 15th in the "Jerusalem of Gold" Bullion Coin Series:
Rooted in the heart of the Zionist vision, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem is a backbone of higher education in Israel - a vision that has been realized and has become a milestone in the history of Zionism.
The idea to establish the university was first conceived at the First Zionist Congress in Basel, in 1897, but it was only to actually happen, later, in 1913, when the 11th Zionist Congress approved the foundation of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
This was to be the first university to be established in the heart of Jerusalem, by the Jewish people for the Jewish people.
In 1918, the first twelve cornerstones for the university were laid down - symbolising the twelve Tribes of Israel - during a state ceremony held with approval of the British Mandate Government.
The official opening ceremony took place on April 1, 1925, on Mount Scopus, in the presence of thousands, including distinguished personalities from across the globe, among them Lord Balfour, Zionist Organisation President Chaim Weizmann, Chief Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, and national poet
Chaim Nachman Bialik, who on this occasion, said “At this moment, Israel has kindled the first light of its intellectual renaissance, on Mount Scopus.”
Initially, the Hebrew University concentrated exclusively on research and, only at a later stage, broadened its scope of activity to include education and the sciences.
During Israel’s War of Independence, studies on the Mount Scopus campus were interrupted and the area came under Jordanian rule.
The university was then forced to operate from temporary locations in Jerusalem.
In 1958, the new central campus on Givat Ram was inaugurated as part of Israel’s tenth anniversary celebrations, and this was followed by the establishment of additional new institutions, among them, the Hadassah Hospital in Ein Karem and the Harry S. Truman Research Center.
After the Six Day War, Israeli rule was restored to Mount Scopus and, in 1981, the renewed University Campus was inaugurated.
During the following decades, the Hebrew University continued to expand and develop. Additional faculties were opened, including the faculties for veterinary medicine, engineering and computer science.
The Hebrew University has remained, to this day, a living symbol of the spirit of the Jewish people, its scientific research, and rich culture, connecting between heritage and aspirations for the future.
It is a remarkable testimony for its fulfillment of the Zionist dream and return of the Jewish people to its land.
The 15th Bullion coin in the prestigious “Jerusalem of Gold” Series is dedicated to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, that has laid the foundation for higher education in Israel, played a significant role in shaping the State of Israel and serves, to this day, as a source of inspiration for future generations.
The Gold Bullion Coin:
The 15 piece Jerusalem of Gold Coin Series
The common Obverse of the Series
Above is the face value and mint year in English and Hebrew, and the Star of David mintmark. The lower border is inscribed with the gold fineness and weight, and the upper right border, with the word "Jerusalem" in English, Hebrew and Arabic.
It depicts the Lion of Megiddo with its stylised curved tail, taken from an ancient eighth century BCE seal excavated in Megiddo (“Armageddon”) in the Jordan Valley and which belonged to Shema, servant of King Jeroboam II.
Above the lion is the Israel State Emblem and below it is the text "ISRAEL" (in English, Hebrew, and Arabic).
The specification of the Silver Coin are:
Country of issue: Israel; Date/Year: 07/2025; Coin Series Theme: "Jerusalem of Gold" Bullion Coin Series (15th issue); Coin Theme: "The University of Jerusalem"; Denomination/Face Value: 20 New Israeli Shekel (NIS); Metal Composition: .9999 Fineness Gold (Au); Weight: 31.1 grams or 1.00 Oz; Diameter/Size: 32.00 mm; Coin Quality: Brilliant Uncirculated (BU); Mint: ICMC (Israel Coins and Medals Corporation); Mint Mark: Star of David; Mintage: 3,600 pieces; Designers: Yossi Lemel (Common Obverse), Aharon Shevo | Meir Eshel (Reverse); Packaging: Each Coin is encapsulated and presented in a custom hardwood case accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity (COA).
- Legal Tender issued by the Bank of Israel.
The Presentation Case - Open - showing the Gold Coin and the numbered Certificate of Authenticity (COA)
The Presentation Case/Box Open with COA
New Banknotes of Mozambique:
1) New Banknotes of Mozambique
ZiG: The new currency of Zimbabwe:
1) ZiG: The new Currency of Zimbabwe
Eswatini (Swaziland):
4) The 10th Anniversary of Joaan Bin Jassim Academy for Defence Studues, Qatar
Interesting posts from Sierra Leone:
Links to posts on Zaire/Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC):
2) Currency & Coinage of Ghana: Cedis & Pesewas
6) Two new Cedi Banknotes of GH200 & GH100 and a GH2 Cedi Coin introduced in 11/2019
Links to other interesting posts on our Ghana visit in 2013:
1) Lake Bosumchwe or Bosumchwi, Ghana
2) El Mina Castle/Fort, Cape Coast, Ghana
3) History of Coinage and Banknotes of Ghana
6) Larabanga mosque and the Mystic Stone
7) Food, Culture and Music of Ghana
9) Oware: The Ancient National Board Game of Ghana
Interesting posts from Sierra Leone:
Links to posts on Zaire/Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC):
