Gates of Jerusalem - Golden Gate - 1 Oz - Silver Collector Coin

GOLDEN GATE

Fifth coin from the series of numismatic coins ‘The Gates of Jerusalem’.

Unlike the other main gates of the city walls of Jerusalem, the Golden Gate was not built by the Turks. It was built in the 7th century over ruins from biblical times, perhaps even from the time of the First Temple. It is decorated with Byzantine-style elements and has two openings, both of which are closed.

Facing the Mount of Olives, it is the gate closest to the site where the Holy Temple once stood. According to Jewish tradition, the Messiah will enter through this gate. Today's Golden Gate was sealed by the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman in 1541 to prevent the Messiah from entering. A Muslim cemetery near the gate was also intended to prevent the arrival of the Messiah. Since, according to Jewish tradition, the prophet Elijah was supposed to pass through this gate to announce the arrival of the Messiah, it was assumed that Elijah, being of priestly origin, was not allowed to pass through the cemetery.

According to Christian tradition, the gate is called the ‘Golden Gate’ because Jesus is said to have entered Jerusalem through this gate.

Obverse: golden gate, inscription in English and Hebrew ‘Golden Gate’, on the gold version ‘1oz. fine gold.9999’, on the silver version ‘1oz. fine silver.999’ and year of minting.

Common reverse of the series: The reverse of the gold and silver version shows the so-called stylised map of the gates in the wall around the old city of Jerusalem, the inscription in English and Hebrew ‘Gates of Jerusalem’ on the edge and ‘The Holy Land Mint’ on the lower edge.