The Lion of Megiddo, with its stylized curved tail, is taken from an ancient seal excavated in Megiddo (Armageddon) in the Jordan Valley, dating from the 8th century BCE. The seal belonged to Shema, the servant of Jeroboam II, Israelite King. The lion is also the symbol of the Tribe of Judah and of the eternal capital of Israel, Jerusalem. The same Lion of Megiddo appeared in the past on the Israeli 5 Lira Banknote (1958), 5 Lira Coin (1978), and on the Half Sheqel Coin (1980). Above the figure of the lion appears the State of Israel Emblem and below it the word “Israel” in English, Hebrew and Arabic.
Obverse script
Arabic, Hebrew, Latin
Obverse lettering
Reverse description
The Madaba Map and in the background, one of the Cardo pillars. In the upper border is the inscription “Jerusalem” in English, Hebrew and Arabic, upper right, is the face value `20 New Shekels` and mint year in Hebrew and English. Below is the Star of David mint mark and around the lower border is the metal fineness and weight, “1 oz. fine gold .9999” in Hebrew and English.
