2019 Israel Silver 1 oz Holy Land Sites - Church of The Nativity

---

Struck in 2019, this silver coin is the second release in the Holy Land Sites series. It highlights the Church of the Nativity, a historic basilica located in Bethlehem. As the oldest major church still standing in the Holy Land, this site marks the traditional location of the birth of Jesus, making it a place of immense historical and spiritual significance. The obverse of the coin displays the interior architecture of this ancient basilica. It includes the year of issue, the weight and purity of the metal, and the name Gethsemane written in both English and Hebrew. The reverse presents an intricate collage of famous landmarks in Jerusalem, such as the Garden Tomb, the YMCA building, and the Holy Trinity. It also depicts Jesus praying in Gethsemane, inspired by Andrea Mantegna's painting, Agony in the Garden. Issued by the Bank of Israel, this piece contains one troy ounce of 0.999 fine silver. With a strict mintage limit of just 1,800 pieces, it represents a highly focused artistic tribute to some of the world's most revered historical sanctuaries.